Apply for government help to pay for a monitored medical alarm service if you have an ongoing illness, an injury, age-related health problems or you’re a disabled person.
If you are eligible, the government can help with the ongoing costs of medical alarms if you have:
Your eligibility for government help depends on your personal circumstances, for example your income.
The Disability Allowance from Work and Income can help cover the rental and monitoring costs of your medical alarm. You can apply for you, your partner, or a child.
Find out who can get the Disability Allowance, which medical alarm suppliers are MSD-accredited, what support you can get and how to apply. Your eligibility depends on how much you earn.
If the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) is supporting you after an accident or injury, they may be able to cover the costs of aids and equipment for your recovery.
If your alarm was paid for by a Disability Allowance before you moved into the retirement village, when you move in you will still receive the Disability Allowance for your alarm if:
If the cost is part of the standard service fee you’re paying to live in a retirement village, you cannot apply for a Disability Allowance to pay for it.
If your service qualifies you, and you cannot get other government help, the Veterans’ Independence Programme helps with the cost of a medical alarm.
Find out what support you might be able to receive on the Veterans’ Affairs website:
Your SuperGold Card offers discounts from medical alarm suppliers in some areas of NZ.
To find out which providers are MSD-accredited contact Senior Services at the Ministry of Social Development.
Most people get their alarm from a supplier accredited by the Ministry of Social Development (MSD). This means the supplier:
Find the list on the Work and Income website.