Deadline: 09-Jul-2026
Applications are open for the Young Adults Grant, a funding program designed to support young adults aged 17–21 with physical disabilities by providing financial assistance for opportunities, services, and resources that enhance wellbeing, independence, participation, and quality of life. The grant helps eligible young people access support that may otherwise be financially out of reach, enabling them to participate more fully in education, community life, personal development, and other meaningful experiences.
The program recognizes the unique challenges faced by young adults with physical disabilities and aims to reduce barriers that may limit their ability to achieve personal goals, develop independence, and engage in enriching activities.
Overview
The Young Adults Grant provides targeted financial assistance to young people with physical disabilities who require additional support to improve their quality of life and participation in everyday activities.
The grant is intended to help individuals access opportunities that promote independence, personal growth, inclusion, and wellbeing while addressing unmet needs that cannot be funded through government assistance or alternative funding sources.
Funding is available for eligible applicants living within the Trust’s qualifying region and who can demonstrate financial need and a clear purpose for the requested support.
Grant Value
- Up to $3,450 per year (including GST) per eligible applicant
- Funding is subject to approval and available annual grant limits
- One application may be submitted per year under this grant category
- Funding cannot exceed the maximum annual entitlement
- Retrospective funding is not permitted
Applicants must meet all eligibility and documentation requirements before funding can be considered.
Program Objectives
The grant aims to:
- Improve quality of life for young adults with physical disabilities
- Support greater independence and self-determination
- Increase participation in community life
- Reduce financial barriers to essential supports
- Promote inclusion and equal opportunities
- Support personal development and wellbeing
- Enhance access to meaningful life experiences
- Encourage greater social and community engagement
The program focuses on practical support that creates measurable benefits for recipients.
Who Can Apply?
The Young Adults Grant is specifically designed for young people living with physical disabilities.
Eligible applicants must:
- Be aged 17–21 years
- Have a physical disability that primarily affects body function and/or limbs
- Reside within the Trust’s qualifying geographic area
- Demonstrate financial need
- Show that alternative funding options have been explored
- Meet all documentation requirements
Applicants may also have additional disabilities, provided that their primary disability is physical in nature.
Eligible Geographic Area
Applicants must live within the area defined by the Trust Deed.
The qualifying area is generally described as:
- The upper half of New Zealand’s North Island
Applicants may be required to provide proof of residence as part of the application process.
Definition of Physical Disability
For the purposes of this grant, a physical disability generally refers to a condition that primarily affects:
- Body movement
- Physical functioning
- Limb mobility
- Physical independence
- Motor skills
- Physical participation in daily activities
Applicants may have multiple disabilities, but the primary disability must be physical in nature.
Financial Need Requirements
A key requirement of the grant is demonstrating financial need.
Applicants may qualify by:
- Holding a valid Community Services Card, or
- Meeting specified household income thresholds established by the Trust
Financial eligibility helps ensure that funding reaches individuals who face the greatest barriers to accessing support.
Alternative Funding Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate that they have explored other available funding options before applying.
This includes confirming that:
- Government funding is unavailable for the requested support
- Alternative grants or assistance programs have been considered
- The requested item, service, or activity cannot be funded through another source
The grant is intended to complement, rather than replace, other available funding opportunities.
Eligible Uses of Funding
Funding is intended to support activities, services, resources, or opportunities that improve wellbeing, independence, and participation.
Support may contribute to:
- Personal development opportunities
- Independence-enhancing resources
- Community participation activities
- Educational opportunities
- Social inclusion initiatives
- Wellbeing and quality-of-life improvements
- Disability-related support needs not covered elsewhere
All requested funding must clearly demonstrate a benefit to the applicant’s daily life, independence, or participation.
Ineligible Expenses
The grant does not support retrospective funding.
This means funding cannot be used for:
- Items already purchased
- Services already received
- Expenses already paid before approval
- Costs incurred before the grant decision
Applicants should wait for funding approval before making purchases or commitments.
Required Supporting Documentation
Applications must include all required supporting documents.
These may include:
Medical Verification
- A recent signed letter from a medical practitioner or health professional
- Confirmation of the applicant’s physical disability
- Relevant medical or diagnostic information
Proof of Diagnosis
- Medical records or documentation confirming the disability
- Specialist reports where required
Proof of Identity
- Valid identification documents
- Any additional identification requested by the Trust
Financial Verification
- Community Services Card documentation, or
- Evidence of household income
Additional Supporting Documents
Applicants may be asked to provide:
- Quotes or cost estimates
- Evidence of alternative funding enquiries
- Proof of residence
- Additional supporting information relevant to the application
Incomplete applications may not proceed to assessment.
Assessment Process
Applications are assessed based on several key criteria.
Eligibility
Assessors will verify that applicants meet:
- Age requirements
- Disability requirements
- Geographic eligibility requirements
- Funding guidelines
Financial Need
Consideration is given to:
- Household income
- Community Services Card status
- Overall financial circumstances
Supporting Documentation
Applications must contain:
- Complete documentation
- Appropriate medical evidence
- Required financial information
- Any additional supporting materials requested
Funding Purpose
Assessors will review:
- The intended use of funding
- Potential benefits to the applicant
- Alignment with grant objectives
- Evidence of unmet need
Application Limits
Applicants should note the following restrictions:
- Only one application may be submitted per year under this grant category.
- Funding is subject to annual limits and available resources.
- Approval is not guaranteed.
- Applications must meet all eligibility requirements.
Decision Timeline
Funding decisions are generally communicated within:
- Approximately two months of application submission
Processing times may vary depending on:
- Application volume
- Committee meeting schedules
- Completeness of documentation
- Requests for additional information
Fully documented applications are typically processed more efficiently.
How to Apply
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Ensure that you:
- Are aged 17–21 years.
- Have a qualifying physical disability.
- Live within the eligible geographic area.
- Meet financial eligibility requirements.
Step 2: Identify Your Funding Need
Clearly explain:
- What support is required
- Why the support is needed
- How it will improve your wellbeing or independence
- Why alternative funding is unavailable
Step 3: Gather Supporting Documents
Prepare:
- Medical verification letter
- Proof of diagnosis
- Proof of identity
- Financial documentation
- Supporting quotes or estimates where relevant
Step 4: Complete the Application
Provide:
- Personal details
- Eligibility information
- Funding request details
- Supporting evidence
Step 5: Submit Before Making Purchases
Applications must be approved before:
- Purchasing items
- Booking services
- Committing to expenses
Retrospective funding is not available.
Tips for Applicants
- Submit all required documentation with your application.
- Clearly explain how the funding will improve your independence or wellbeing.
- Provide accurate and detailed cost information.
- Demonstrate that alternative funding options have been explored.
- Ensure medical documentation is current and signed by an appropriate professional.
- Double-check eligibility requirements before applying.
- Submit a complete application to avoid processing delays.
Why This Grant Matters
Young adults with physical disabilities often face additional costs and barriers when accessing opportunities that support independence, education, community participation, and personal development. These challenges can limit opportunities for growth and inclusion during a critical stage of life.
The Young Adults Grant helps address these barriers by providing targeted financial support for eligible young people. By investing in wellbeing, participation, and independence, the program empowers recipients to pursue meaningful experiences, develop life skills, and engage more fully in their communities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Who can apply for the Young Adults Grant?
- Young adults aged 17–21 who have a physical disability, meet financial eligibility requirements, and live within the Trust’s qualifying region.
- How much funding is available?
- Eligible applicants may receive up to $3,450 per year, including GST.
- Can I apply more than once?
- Only one application may be submitted per year under this grant category until the maximum entitlement is reached.
- Do I need to demonstrate financial need?
- Yes. Applicants must hold a Community Services Card or meet specified household income requirements.
- Can funding be used for items already purchased?
- No. Retrospective funding for previously purchased items or services is not permitted.
- What documents are required?
- Medical verification, proof of diagnosis, proof of identity, financial documentation, and any additional supporting information requested by the Trust.
- How long does it take to receive a decision?
- Decisions are generally communicated within approximately two months, depending on application completeness and committee scheduling.
Conclusion
The Young Adults Grant provides important financial support for young people aged 17–21 living with physical disabilities in the upper North Island of New Zealand. By funding opportunities and resources that enhance independence, wellbeing, and participation, the grant helps reduce barriers and create pathways for young adults to engage more fully in education, community life, and meaningful personal experiences. Through its focus on accessibility, inclusion, and quality of life, the program plays an important role in supporting the aspirations and potential of young people with physical disabilities.
For more information, visit The Wilson Home Trust.
