Deadline: 05-Mar-2026
The Young Adults Grant provides funding of up to $3,450 to support eligible young people aged 17–21 with physical disabilities as they transition into adulthood. The grant can support tertiary education, accommodation, travel, vehicle-related costs, assistive equipment, and mental wellbeing. Applicants must meet Wilson Home Trust beneficiary criteria and apply before purchasing any items or services.
What Is the Young Adults Grant?
The Young Adults Grant is a targeted financial support program designed to help young people with physical disabilities achieve independence and pursue future life goals.
The grant assists beneficiaries of the Wilson Home Trust during a critical transition phase, helping them access education, mobility, accommodation, and wellbeing support.
Purpose of the Grant
The grant aims to support young adults as they:
Transition from family-supported living to independent adulthood
Pursue higher education or vocational training
Improve mobility and communication capabilities
Access services that support mental wellbeing
Develop life skills and independence
Funding Amount
Successful applicants may receive funding of up to $3,450 (including GST).
Applications must be submitted and approved before any purchases are made. Retrospective funding for items or services already paid for is not allowed.
What Can the Grant Be Used For?
The Young Adults Grant supports a wide range of transition-related needs, including:
Education and Training
Tertiary study or vocational education
Study-related resources and support
Accommodation
Moving from the family home into independent living arrangements
Housing-related transition costs
Travel and Mobility
Travel support
Vehicle funding
Vehicle modifications
Driving lessons
Equipment and Assistive Technology
Communication devices
Adaptive equipment
Accessibility tools
Mental Wellbeing Support
Services or resources that improve emotional and psychological wellbeing
Who Is Eligible?
Age Requirement
Applicants must be aged between 17 and 21 years.
Beneficiary Requirement
Applicants must qualify as Wilson Home Trust beneficiaries.
Disability Requirement
Applicants must have a physical disability that primarily impairs the function of the body and/or limbs.
Disabilities must be described in line with World Health Organisation definitions, including:
Impairments
Activity limitations
Participation restrictions
These disabilities may be congenital or acquired.
Applicants may have additional sensory or intellectual disabilities, but these must not be the primary reason for the funding request.
Residency Requirement
Applicants must live within the qualifying area defined by the Trust Deed, commonly described as the upper half of the North Island.
Family Eligibility
Applications may be submitted by:
Parents
Whānau
Primary caregivers
Siblings
Additional Eligibility Conditions
Applicants must demonstrate that:
All other funding options have been explored
The requested item or service is not eligible for government funding
Other potential funding sources may include:
CP Society
Lotteries Commission
Halberg Disability Sport Foundation
Why This Grant Matters
Transitioning into adulthood can be particularly challenging for young people with physical disabilities.
This grant helps reduce financial barriers by supporting education, independence, mobility, and wellbeing. It empowers young people to pursue personal and professional goals while building confidence and life skills.
How to Apply
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Ensure the applicant meets age, disability, residency, and Wilson Home Trust beneficiary requirements.
Step 2: Identify Funding Needs
Clearly define what support is required, such as education, equipment, or accommodation assistance.
Step 3: Explore Alternative Funding
Demonstrate that other funding options have been investigated and are unavailable.
Step 4: Prepare Supporting Documents
Applicants may need to provide:
Medical or disability verification
Quotes or cost estimates for requested items or services
Proof of residency
Confirmation of explored funding options
Step 5: Submit Application Before Purchase
Applications must be submitted before any items or services are purchased.
Assessment Considerations
Applications are generally evaluated based on:
Eligibility compliance
Clarity of funding purpose
Demonstrated need
Evidence that alternative funding has been explored
Alignment with independence and transition goals
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Submitting applications after purchasing items or services
Failing to demonstrate exploration of alternative funding sources
Requesting funding for needs not related to physical disability
Providing incomplete medical or cost documentation
Applying while living outside the qualifying region
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much funding is available?
Applicants can receive up to $3,450 including GST.
2. Can funding be used for education?
Yes. The grant supports tertiary study and education-related expenses.
3. Can applicants apply after purchasing equipment or services?
No. Retrospective applications are not accepted.
4. Who can submit the application?
Applications can be submitted by eligible young people or their families, including parents, whānau, caregivers, or siblings.
5. What type of disability qualifies?
Applicants must have a physical disability primarily affecting body or limb function.
6. Do applicants need to live in a specific area?
Yes. Applicants must live in the qualifying area defined as the upper half of the North Island.
7. Must other funding options be explored first?
Yes. Applicants must show that other funding options have been investigated and are unavailable.
Conclusion
The Young Adults Grant provides essential financial support to young people with physical disabilities during a crucial life transition. By supporting education, mobility, accommodation, and wellbeing, the grant helps beneficiaries build independence, pursue ambitions, and achieve meaningful participation in adult life.
For more information, visit The Wilson Home Trust.
