Glasses

If you’re on a low income or benefit we may be able to help you with the cost of eye tests and glasses.

Important information

  • You need to come in and see us first before going to the optometrist or optician.
  • You'll have to pay the money back.

  • Who can get it

    You may get help if you:

    • are 16 or over (if you're 16-18 and have a Youth Service provider, contact Youth Services)
    • are a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident
    • normally live in New Zealand and intend to stay here
    • have an immediate and essential need.

    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 usually apply:

    Income limits

    If you are: Weekly income before tax is less than Annual income before tax is less than
    single, 16-17 years $508.54 $26,444.08
    single, 18+ years $584.46 $30,391.92
    married, civil union or de facto couple (with or without children) $848.92 $44,143.84
    sole parent (1 child) $709.22 $36,879.44
    sole parent (2+ children) $747.20 $38,854.40

    Asset limits

    These don't include what you need for day-to-day living, eg your home or your car. They do include money in the bank, or things like a caravan or a second property.

    If you are: Your assets are worth less than
    single $1,113.36
    married, civil union or de facto couple (with or without children) or sole parent $1,855.15

  • What you can get

    We can pay $249 for:

    • an eye test
    • lenses, including single vision, bifocals or standard progressives
    • frames (there are plenty of options to choose from)
    • a fitting service
    • repairs
    • a cleaning cloth and case
    • a 2 year warranty on defective parts.

    We have an arrangement with certain optometrists and opticians to provide optical services. We'll provide you with a list of approved suppliers in your area so you can choose which one to go to.

    Here's a list of our preferred suppliers for glasses in your region.

    Preferred suppliers for glasses on the Work and Income website

    If there is no preferred supplier in your area, we may still be able to help. Talk to us about your situation.

    High clinical needs

    We may be able to pay more than $249 if the optometrist or optician assesses you as having high clinical needs.

    We don't cover the cost of lens coatings or glasses specifically for Irlen Syndrome.

  • How to apply

    Call us and we'll set up an appointment.