Get Free Counselling in Nelson with WINZ

• If you're in Nelson and can't afford counselling, you may be eligible for a Disability Allowance from WINZ, which could provide up to $78.60 per week.
• You don't need to be on a benefit to qualify for this allowance.

Who Can Get Free Counselling in Nelson?

To access free counselling, you need to apply for a Disability Allowance for yourself, your partner, or your child.

The person needing counselling must:
• Have a health condition or disability that is likely to last at least 6 months from when it was diagnosed.
• Need counselling because of this health condition or disability.
• Have ongoing counselling costs that aren't fully covered by another agency, like Oranga Tamariki or ACC.
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You also need to see a counsellor who is a member of one of the following organizations:
• Psychotherapists Board of Aotearoa New Zealand- NZ Association of Counsellors (NZAC)
• NZ Christian Counsellors Association ( The organization I am apart of )
• The Social Workers Registration Board (SWRB)
• Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapy Association (ANZACATA)
• Drug and Alcohol Practitioners Association of Aotearoa New Zealand (DAPAANZ)
• only Registered Competent Practitioners and Associate Practitioners are covered.
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To apply, you must be:
• 16 years or older.
• A New Zealand citizen or permanent resident.

How Many Sessions of Free Counselling Can I Get?

WINZ can provide up to $78.60 per week for counselling through the Disability Allowance. The exact amount depends on your personal situation. You can receive up to 10 counselling sessions when you first apply. If you need more sessions, you'll need a doctor's recommendation. 
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WINZ does not cover:
• Counselling for unrelated issues, like relationship counselling.
• Counselling through a hospital (though they may cover transport costs).
• Childcare costs during counselling sessions.

How Do I Apply?

If You’re Already Receiving Payments (e.g., a Benefit or Accommodation Supplement) but Not the Disability Allowance:

1. Complete a Disability Application for existing clients form. Your doctor or health practitioner will need to fill out the Disability Certificate section.
2. Fill out a Disability Certificate - Counselling form. This form needs to be completed by you, your health practitioner, and your counsellor.
3. Submit these forms to your nearest service centre or mail them in.

If You’re Already Receiving the Disability Allowance:

1. Fill out a Disability Certificate - Counselling form. This form needs to be completed by you, your health practitioner, and your counsellor.
2. Submit the form to your nearest service centre or mail it in.
Your counselling costs will be included in your Disability Allowance from the date they started.

If You’re Not Receiving Any Payments:

1. Apply online through the WINZ website.
2. Fill out a Disability Certificate - Counselling form. This form needs to be completed by you, your health practitioner, and your counsellor.
3. Submit the form to your nearest service centre or mail it in.

If You Need More Than 10 Sessions:

When your 10 sessions are finished, WINZ will send you a letter. If your health practitioner recommends more sessions:
1. Complete another Disability Certificate - Counselling form. This form needs to be completed by you, your health practitioner, and your counsellor.
2. Submit the form along with a record of attendance (provided by your counsellor) to your nearest service centre or mail it in.

Applying on Behalf of Someone Else:

You can apply for a Disability Allowance on someone else's behalf if they have filled out a form appointing you as their agent. Learn more here.

What to Do Next?

Work with your counsellor to decide:
• What you want to achieve from counselling.
• How many sessions you'll need.
• The cost of each session and how you will pay for them.
You will need to pay your counsellor or the organisation directly for each session. To prove you’ve been attending, you might be asked to provide receipts or an attendance record (your counsellor will help with this).
Your counsellor will also have you sign a form that allows them to inform Work and Income about your attendance or if you stop going to sessions.

Need more information or ready to book?