New Zealand's latest National Disability Survey, conducted in 2013, found that nearly 100,000 people below the age of 15 have disabilities. In order to provide income security to children with disabilities, the Government of New Zealand provides a Child Disability Allowance (CDA), administered by the Ministry of Social Development. The CDA is an allowance paid to caregivers of children with disabilities every two weeks in recognition for the extra care and attention provided.
The CDA benefit is an unconditional and non-means tested cash transfer available to New Zealand citizens or permanent residents who are the main carer of a child with disabilities. In order to be eligible the child in care must be under 18 years of age and assessed as requiring care for at least 12 months due to serious disability. The level of coverage is not affected by the claimant’s household income or assets, and is set at NZD46.49, or USD31, a week for the 2015 fiscal year. In addition to the CDA, New Zealand also offers citizens and residents an income-tested disability allowance, which can be applied for by a caregiver if the child is under 18 years of age. Unlike the CDA, the level of the benefit depends on the actual costs associated with the disability, including costs incurred through travel, medication and specialists that are not covered by another agency. The maximum weekly benefit is NZD61.69, or USD45. Both benefits can be combined. In 2008 more than 43,000 children received the CDA, the following year the number increased to 45,800 children, thena drastic 32 per cent decrease to 34,5000 in 2016 where about 236,603 people received the CDA in June of 2016.
New Zealand ratified the Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2008. Together the CDA and disability allowance are means towards ensuring the State's commitment to an adequate standard of living and social protection for all children with disabilities and their families. While universal in nature, the scheme has experienced some challenge in reaching all those in need. Nonetheless, the CDA and disabilities allowance are essential in building a national social protection floor that provides access to income support to all in need, including children with disabilities.
Further Reading:
- Government of New Zealand (2015). Child Disability Allowance. Accessed from: http://www.workandincome.govt.nz/individuals/a-z-benefits/child-disability-allowance.html on February 18 2016.