Am I eligible for a medical alarm?

In New Zealand, there is a cost to rent and monitor a medical alarm and the weekly charge to monitor a medical alarm varies between suppliers.

Provided you are eligible for the special Disability Allowance the cost of renting a medical alarm may be fully funded. The medical alarm has to be supplied by an MSD-accredited medical alarm supplier.

A medical alarm can provide peace of mind for older people and their families in the event of a medical emergency. These generally come as small, wearable pendants that are connected to emergency medical teams, so that assistance can be despatched right away.

Who can apply for a Disability Allowance?

You can apply for a Disability Allowance for you, your partner or a child. You must be 16 and older and be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident.

The person who needs a medical alarm must:

• have a health condition or disability that's likely to last at least 6 months from when they were diagnosed
• have regular, ongoing costs because of the health condition or disability that are not fully covered by another agency.

A health practitioner must also confirm that the person who needs a medical alarm:

• needs the medical alarm because of the health condition or disability
• is going to need the medical alarm on an ongoing basis
• needs the medical alarm because without it their life or health would be put at risk, or the disability would be aggravated.

How much can I get?

Work and Income will pay a maximum a week for Disability Allowance. How much you get for your medical alarm depends on your situation.

This cannot be used to pay for:

• buying a medical alarm (one-off cost)
• buying smoke alarms or security alarms
• any alarm costs you've already paid for in the fee for living in a retirement village or complex
• additional items to your medical alarm, e.g., fall detectors or pressure pads.

Visit the Disability Allowance page on the Work and Income website for details about how to apply.

You can find medical alarm providers on Making Life Easier