Financial Aid
Chronic Illness and disability are expensive, more so than people realise. Making sure you can afford everything can be distressing until it’s all sorted out. Here, you can find a break down of what aid is available, where you can find it, and tips for staying on top of everything.
Page Links
- Understanding Different Types of Financial Aid
- Government Support Schemes
- Scholarships and Bursaries
- Budgeting Advice for Medical Expenses
Understanding Government Support Schemes vs Charitable Grants vs Disability Organisations
Navigating the world of support and financial assistance as a chronically ill teenager can be overwhelming. Whether you need help with medical costs, mobility aids, or just everyday living expenses, understanding the different types of support available is key to making sure you get the help you need.
Here, we’ll explain the difference between Government Support Schemes and Charitable Grants, and why it’s a great idea to connect with disability organizations for more specific support.
What is a Government Support Scheme?
A Government Support Scheme is a program or initiative provided by the New Zealand government to assist individuals with specific needs, including those living with chronic illness or disability. These schemes are typically designed to help cover basic living expenses, healthcare costs, and special needs like mobility aids.
Key Features of Government Support Schemes:
- Funded by the Government: These schemes are publicly funded, which means the government sets the rules and guidelines for who can apply and what the support is for.
- Universal or Targeted Support: Some schemes are available to everyone (like health insurance or national healthcare), while others target specific groups, like people with disabilities or chronic illnesses.
- Long-Term Support: Government schemes usually provide ongoing assistance, which means you can access them as long as you meet eligibility criteria.
- Examples in New Zealand:
- Disability Allowance (DIA): Helps cover extra costs of living with a disability, such as transport or medical supplies.
- Living Allowance: Supports individuals who can’t work or require extra help because of their chronic condition.
- Health and Disability Support Services (HDSS): Provides assistance for a variety of healthcare services.
Why Government Support is Important:
Government schemes provide a safety net for teenagers with chronic illness. These programs are often consistent and guaranteed, so you can rely on them for your ongoing needs, like medical care, transport, or specialized equipment.
What is a Charitable Grant?
A Charitable Grant is funding given by a charity, foundation, or other nonprofit organisation to help individuals or groups who need it. Charitable grants are often aimed at specific needs that aren’t always covered by government support, such as special equipment, therapies, or activities that improve your quality of life.
Key Features of Charitable Grants:
- Funded by Charities or Foundations: These grants are typically funded by donations, fundraising, and charity events, so they come from the private sector, not the government.
- Project-Specific Funding: Charitable grants are usually for a specific purpose, like buying a wheelchair, covering the cost of a therapy program, or paying for education.
- Varied Eligibility Criteria: Each grant will have different requirements, and not all are available to everyone. You’ll need to check eligibility to find out if you can apply.
- Examples of Charitable Grants:
- The Lion Foundation: Provides funding for mobility aids or adaptive technologies for people with disabilities.
- The Todd Foundation: Offers grants to improve the well-being of individuals and communities, often with a focus on health and disability services.
- The Nurture Foundation: Provides scholarships for disabled students who wish to pursue higher education.
Why Charitable Grants are Important:
Charitable grants can fill the gaps where government schemes might not provide enough support. They can be more flexible, and sometimes they offer funding for things like mobility aids, home modifications, and special educational needs, which are outside the scope of government programs.
Check In With Your Disability Organisation
While government schemes and charitable grants are a great source of support, your specific disability organisation or health group may also have tailored grants and resources that apply to your situation.
What Disability Organisations Can Offer You:
- Specialized Support: These organizations focus on your specific condition or disability and often have grants available that are designed just for people like you. They may also have advice on how to apply for both government schemes and charitable grants.
- Local Resources: Disability organizations often have information on local grants, events, and services that you might not find online.
- Advocacy and Guidance: They can help you understand what support you are entitled to and guide you through the application process for both government schemes and grants.
How to Find the Right Disability Organisation:
- Search Online: Look for New Zealand-based organizations that focus on your specific condition (like the Muscular Dystrophy Association or the NZ Epilepsy Society).
- Ask Your Healthcare Provider: Your doctor, nurse, or therapist might have recommendations on which organizations are the best for your needs.
- Community Groups: Many regions have local support groups for chronic illnesses or disabilities that can connect you with other teenagers facing similar challenges.
Which Support Should You Apply For?
It’s important to assess your needs and determine whether a Government Support Scheme or a Charitable Grant (or both) is the best fit. Here’s how to decide:
- Need Long-Term Support? Government schemes are a reliable source of ongoing help, such as healthcare coverage, transport, and living costs.
- Need One-Time Assistance? Charitable grants are great for specific needs like getting a new wheelchair or paying for a therapeutic program.
- Need Tailored Assistance? Contact your disability organization for additional support that is more personalized to your specific condition.
Conclusion:
Whether you’re looking for financial assistance, health services, or mobility aids, both Government Support Schemes and Charitable Grants can play an important role in helping you manage your condition and improve your quality of life. Don’t forget to check in with your disability organization to find more targeted support and grants that might be available just for you.
Remember, it’s okay to ask for help. You don’t have to navigate this journey alone. Reach out to your healthcare provider, local support groups, and organizations that focus on your disability to ensure you’re accessing all the help and resources available.
Need Help Finding the Right Support?
Feel free to contact us, and we can help guide you through the process.