Government wigs and hairpieces subsidy
About the Wigs and Hairpieces Subsidy
The Wigs and Hairpieces Service Payment is for people who suffer from serious hair loss because of a medical condition or from certain cancer therapies.
What you can use the subsidy for:
The service payment is available to cover the cost of the following items only:
- wig or hairpiece
- headwear (eg, hats, turbans)
- eyebrow wigs and associated products.
How much you can claim
If you're an adult (18 years or over), the amount you are entitled to depends on whether your hair loss is permanent or temporary.
If you are under 18, your entitlement is the same whether the hair loss is temporary or permanent.
For adults (with permanent hair loss)
Your entitlement is $2330.66 (GST incl) over a 9-year period. You can claim all of or part of your $2330.66 (GST incl) entitlement at any time over the 9-year entitlement period.
For adults (with temporary hair loss)
Your entitlement is $408.88 (GST incl) over a 1-year period. You can claim all of or part of your $408.88 entitlement at any time over the 1-year period.
For children (with temporary or permanent hair loss)
If you are under 18 your entitlement is $1226.66 (GST incl) over a 3-year period or until you turn 18, if that happens first. You can claim all or part of your $1226.66 entitlement at any time over the entitlement period.
Please visit Te Whatu Ora to find out more general information.
