Residential care subsidy

If you are aged 65 or over and need financial help to pay for long-term care in a rest home or hospital, you might qualify for a Residential Care Subsidy.

For an explanation of the subsidy and the asset testing regime visit the Ministry of Health website or call 0800 737 777.

To assess whether you qualify for a Residential Care Subsidy, Work and Income take into account any income you earn and the value of your assets. For information about these limits, check out the Work and Income website.

In some cases assets held in funeral or family trusts can be excluded from this assessment.

For more information on eligibility and assessment criteria contact Work and Income on 0800 999 727.

The Auckland District Health Board also provides information for older people on options for care and accommodation on its Seniorline website.

Now, read about home ownership, your options for renting, what retirement villages offer and the Retirement Villages Act, and rest home or private hospital care.