Who pays for dementia care in New Zealand?

If someone has been assessed as requiring dementia level care in New Zealand, they are responsible for paying, or contributing, towards the cost of that care. People with available funds will pay privately for this care; others will have the cost of care subsidised through government funding.

For those who are unable to fully pay for their care, they may be eligible to receive a Residential Care Subsidy (RCS) to help with payment. This requires having a financial means and asset test, which is completed by Work and Income. There is a maximum amount you will need to pay towards you own care – this is called the Maximum Contribution (MC). Each region sets its own MC rate – see the New Zealand government’s website for the most up to date figures.

There is a dollar amount (of assets) you can keep that you aren’t required to – this is known as the Asset Limit (check Work and Income’s website for the current limit).

Individual circumstances may vary widely and details may change, so ensure you get in touch with Work and Income’s Residential Subsidy Unit to get the most up-to-date information – either via email or by calling  freephone 0800 999 727

Dementia care support may also be provided to assist people with dementia to live well at home. Services may include personal care, medication management, house cleaning, nursing treatment, and day programmes (designed to give carers a break). These services can be paid for privately or funding is available if certain criteria are met; your local Needs Assessment Needs Service Coordination (NASC) team can assess if you're eligible for support.