# Work and Income - Web Capture - Disability Allowance

**Document ID:** doc-0096
**Source organisation:** Work and Income
**Publication date:** Undated (living guidance)
**Publisher’s stated update date:** 29 July 2026
**Independently checked:** 8 October 2026
**Evidence:** Official guidance; Official primary

## Summary

Work and Income explains help with verified ongoing disability costs, including eligibility, income limits and the application evidence needed.

## Key facts

- A disability normally must be expected to last at least six months, with ongoing costs not fully met elsewhere.
- Maximum payment is $82.85 weekly, non-taxable; the amount depends on accepted extra costs.
- Weekly income limits before tax: single aged 18+ $870; couple $1,295.11.
- A health practitioner must confirm the costs, and applicants must supply proof.
- You do not need to receive a main benefit; people receiving Residential Care Subsidy cannot receive this allowance.

## Next step

Ask your health practitioner for a Disability Certificate, gather receipts and use the application route matching your current payments.

## Sources and scope

[Work and Income: official resource](https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/products/a-z-benefits/disability-allowance.html) — accessed 8 October 2026.

Undated living guidance; source update shown as 29 July 2026. Rates and income limits were checked on 8 October 2026 and require review when rates change.

This brief is an original paraphrase of the linked public resources, not a verbatim web capture.