Vasectomies
If you're on a benefit or a low income and want a vasectomy, we may be able to help with the cost of travel, accommodation and surgery.
- The decision whether to get a vasectomy or not is an entirely personal decision made in consultation with a health practitioner, e.g., a doctor.
- You don't have to pay the money back.
Who can get it
You may be able to get help if:
- assistance is not available from your District Health Board
- only partial funding is available from your District Health Board
District Health Board - Ministry of Health websiteexternal
- you need to travel away from home or pay private fees.
You also need to:
- be 16 or over (if you're 16-19 and have a Youth Service provider, contact Youth Service)
- be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident
- normally live in New Zealand and intend to stay here
- have no other way to meet these costs.
It also depends on:
- how much you and your partner earn
- any money or assets you and your partner have.
Your income will be assessed either weekly or yearly, depending on the kind of help you qualify for. These income and asset limits apply:
Current income limits
| If you are: | Weekly income before tax is less than |
|---|---|
| Single and 16 to 17 years old | $879.17 |
| Single and 18 years old or over | $1,010.41 |
| Couple (with or without children) | $1,467.61 |
| Sole parent with 1 child | $1,226.09 |
| Sole parent with 2 or more children | $1,291.75 |
Asset limits
These don't include the things you need for day-to-day living, e.g. your home, car, and some payments after a severe weather event. They do include things like money in the bank, or a second property.
| If you are: | Your assets are worth less than |
|---|---|
| Single | $1,411.22 |
| Couple (with or without children) or sole parent | $2,351.46 |
What you can get
We can pay up to $300 for:
- travel
- accommodation
- surgery.
How much you get depends on your situation. You don't have to pay the money back.
How to apply
You need to call us on 0800 559 009
We'll book you an appointment to come in and see us. We'll let you know what you need to bring.