8 July 2013

Decreased Support Available for Disabled Adults And Children

In the midst of more welfare reforms, one of New Zealand’s leading disability services providers is concerned about the significant drop in the number of Disability Allowances and Child Disability Allowances being granted.

The latest statistical report from the Ministry of Social Development shows significant decreases in the number of Disability Allowances and Child Disability Allowances being granted.

The number of Disability Allowances granted each year has fallen from 84,910 in the 2009/2010 year to 73,017 in the 2011/2012 year, a drop of 11,893. The number of Child Disability Allowances granted each year has fallen from 10,900 in the 2008/2009 year to 6,702 in the 2011/2012 year, a drop of 4,198.

David Matthews, Chief Executive of CCS Disability Action said he was worried about the decreases.

“We are particularly concerned about the large decrease in the Child Disability Allowance. We know from our work that if sufficient support is not provided to families with disabled children, the family can be placed under significant pressure, which can lead to poor outcomes for children and families.”

Mr Matthews said that more changes to the Disability Allowance were coming.

“There are changes in the recent Social Security Amendment Bill for the Disability Allowance and we are not entirely sure what their effects will be.”

Mr Matthews said that both allowances played a vital role in helping disabled people and their families meet the extra financial costs associated with disability.

“The allowances recognise the real financial pressure on families and individuals that a non-inclusive society imposed on them.” Until we have a society that fully includes everyone, disabled people and the families will continue to need extra financial assistance.”

ENDS

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