There are currently two main subsidised packages to support carers in New Zealand. Each generally require some private ‘top up’ funding, which is a disincentive if you can’t afford it.
The Carer Support Subsidy
This payment is designed to allow full-time carers to take a break. A full-time carer is defined as someone who provides more than four hours of unpaid care per day. The subsidy can be used to purchase products and equipment, such as a home monitoring device to support the care of someone living with dementia. It can also be used to pay, or contribute to the cost, of formal or informal care. Formal care is provided by a registered agency, like a home support provider, care home or contracted day programme. Informal care can be provided by a family/whānau member, friend or other support person; this includes people living in the same household as you.
Carer Support days are allocated depending on the need identified via an assessment by a Needs Assessment Service Coordination (NASC) service. Both your needs, and those of your carer, are considered. The allocation is reviewed each year. Carers can choose how they wish to claim the subsidy, for example, claiming a few days at a time or the whole annual budget at once.
As of 1 July 2023, the daily payment rate most regions is $80 (with the exception of Waikato, which is $116.98). If Carer Support is taken at a care home, a top-up payment may be required to cover the full cost of the service (ask about this when booking).
For payment, your carer needs to ensure the assessment is done and allocation approved, that purchases meet guidelines, and that receipts are kept and provided as necessary. Carers also must keep track of the days they have used (if they haven’t been paid out the full total), make any bookings needed, and arrange for the payment of the relief carer.
Claim forms and other supporting documents can be emailed to csclaims@health.govt.nz or posted to Private Bag 1942, Dunedin 9054. Find the Carer Support Claim Form (and tips for filling it out) on the Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora website. You can also contact the Carer Support Line on freephone 0800 855 066.
Respite care
This type of short-term care is, in most instances, provided in a care home. It is accessed via an assessment approved by your older person’s service/NASC. Find care home vacancies here
Usually, you are allocated a set number of days, which varies from situation to situation. You cannot use it for convalescent care or when you are unwell. You may be able to arrange a booking in advance of your intended stay. Payment is arranged via your older person’s service. You may be asked to pay an additional top-up fee to cover the full cost of the service.
Updated: 3 Apr 2024