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10 | The Early Years Kete Cerebral Palsy - Hōkai Nukurangi TOOLKIT Understanding Child Disability Allowance and Needs Assessment Have a conversation early with your Paediatrician or a Social Worker about accessing these important services. Child Disability Allowance The Child Disability Allowance is not income or asset tested and is a non-taxable allowance. This means if your child meets the medical criteria than you will get the allowance no matter how much you earn or how many assets you have. Anyone who cares for a child who meets the medical criteria can consider applying. See: www.workandincome.govt.nz/products/ a-z-benefits/child-disability-allowance.html Disability Allowance The Disability Allowance is different from the Child Disability Allowance. The Disability Allowance is paid to reimburse on-going disability-related expenses and is income tested (based on what you earn). See: www.workandincome.govt.nz/products/ a-z-benefits/disability-allowance.html More information on financial help Kidshealth NZ Information about accessing financial help for your child. www.kidshealth.org.nz/financial-help-when- your-child-has-disability-or-chronic-condition Parent to Parent Help and information on accessing and navigating the health system. www.parent2parent.org.nz More information about NASC Disability Support To find a NASC provider in your region go to: www.disabilitysupport.govt.nz/disabled- people/assessment-and-funding/ needs-assessment-services Kidshealth NZ Helpful summary information on NASC. www.kidshealth.org.nz/needs-assessment- service-coordination-nasc Needs Assessment Service Coordination (NASC) (Usually called NASC for short – pronounced nas-k) This is a first step to see what disability support services you and your family can access. A Needs Assessment agency works with you to determine what your child’s needs are and provide information about disability services available to you. You can self-refer to NASC or be referred through your health team.