You don’t know what you don’t know!

Previously having worked as a Social Worker for 20 years, you learn the tricks and where and how to get information. I guess you kind of forget that other people are not as aware of the things that you tend to take for granted.

In New Zealand we have a benefit system which is administered by the Ministry of Social Development that many know as WINZ or Work and Income New Zealand. They are the organisation that administers all sorts of payments and entitlements. The thing is, there are many instances where people are entitled to assistance financially and these are often not commonly known. So, I would encourage you to have a look at https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/map/index.html .

The page before it mentions that these are the things that guide their staff and it is very interesting to read and see what you might be entitled to and didn’t know they existed.

The other thing that people are not told is that in New Zealand you should not have to pay for equipment you need under the health system. Talk to your GP wherever you are, whether it’s New Zealand or any other country. They will know if you are entitled to funded equipment for free. Most of us are. So, before you are tempted to go on Trademe or hunt things down in Op Shops, check what you might be able to get for free! I had a Physiotherapist come to see me and when I said we were looking at buying a walking fr.ame, she recoiled in horror and said that you absolutely should ask your GP for an assessment referral to be sent to get funded equipment and care if eligible.

Many people in the community have no idea about these things.

So, check them out, you might be surprised what support, help and equipment you might be entitled to.