This has long been a bone of contention with many of us here in New Zealand. The vast cavernous gulf between what you are entitled to if you have a health condition like Parkinson’s, Stroke, Dementia and many others. There is a stark comparison with those that have an accident – even if the negative outcome is the result of an act, quite frankly of stupidity – who nevertheless qualify for financial support and assistance.
If you have any kind of accident, be it at work or at play, most people qualify for financial support from ACC or Accident Compensation Corporation. For example, if someone was working and could no longer work, or even just for a period of recovery then that person following an accident is likely to get paid 80% of their income on an ongoing basis. They may qualify – if the accident leaves them with significant life changing results like needing to be permanently in a wheelchair – for modifications to a home if they have one, a vehicle if they need one and perhaps even assistance to purchase an accessible dwelling. I am not saying at all that everyone with support from ACC would qualify for everything, but there is at least the opportunity to explore what may be available.
Contrast the ACC scenario with someone like me, or anyone with a health condition that at some point may force them to have to stop working. No 80% payout here! Also, if you have a partner who works, it is unlikely that you qualify for any financial assistance. This can make it incredibly difficult for someone who has had a sudden event like a stroke for instance to lose their income and have no way of paying their mortage, insurances and day to day costs.
I personally have looked into our eligibility or lack of and I do not qualify for any assistance. The fact is that there is a significant lack of financial support from any government funding for those of us not able to work. It grates that I have worked for probably 50 years and paid taxes all that time and when I have had to leave work because of my health, I don’t get any financial support. The thing is, you feel a bit hard done by when you realise how much ACC can support those in similar circumstances – unable to work – compared to the almost total lack of financial support for those of us with health issues.
So, while Parkinson’s is not recognised by ACC as an accident, I say this. I did not intentionally get Parkinson’s, it was in fact an accident. An accident of birth! I am sure neither of my parents knowingly and willingly produced a child who was to be diagnosed with Parkinson’s at age 59 years. They accidentally brought forth a child (me) who had the same condition as them. They did not do it on purpose, it was an accidental outcome of their producing me!
Unfortunately, ACC and the government don’t see it that way.
So, here we are my husband and I, waiting for the months to tick away till the 11th of March 2026, so that I can become a pensioner!
I will then get the magical ‘gold card’ and pensioner discounts!
Woohoo!
Lucky me!
https://open.spotify.com/episode/3cciDEscDv6nyqpf7ocpnq?si=SUio71mVTsiVh5x2NjP8hA
My journey with Parkinsons 