Can I get help paying for residential aged care?
Understanding the Residential Care Subsidy and how to apply.
At a glance
Who this is for
Anyone considering long-term residential aged care for themselves or a loved one.
Who manages funding?
Work and Income (WINZ) assess financial eligibility for the Residential Care Subsidy after a Needs Assessment confirms long-term residential care is required.
Good to know
Many New Zealanders receive financial assistance towards the cost of residential aged care. Your eligibility depends on both your care needs and your financial circumstances.
What is the Residential Care Subsidy?
The Residential Care Subsidy is government funding that helps pay for long-term residential aged care to those that are eligible.
To receive the subsidy, you must first be assessed as needing long-term residential care through a Needs Assessment. Work and Income (WINZ) will then assess your income and assets to determine whether you qualify.
If your application is approved, the subsidy is paid directly to your care home to help cover the cost of your contracted care.
Who can apply?
You may be eligible if you:
- Have been assessed as needing long-term residential care.
- Are eligible for publicly funded health and disability services in New Zealand.
- Meet the income and asset thresholds set by the Government.
Eligibility is based on your individual circumstances, so it’s worth applying even if you’re unsure whether you qualify.
How do I apply?
Once your Needs Assessment has confirmed that residential aged care is appropriate, you’ll need to complete a Residential Care Subsidy application through Work and Income.
As part of your application, you’ll be asked to provide information about your:
- Income.
- Assets.
- Investments.
- Property ownership.
- Financial circumstances (and in some situations, your partner’s).
Work and Income will assess this information before making a decision.
What happens while my application is being processed?
You don’t need to wait until your subsidy application has been approved before moving into an Alden Care Home if residential care is needed.
However, while Work and Income is assessing your application, you are responsible for paying your care fees.
Once a decision has been made, any funding will be applied in accordance with the Government’s approval and eligibility rules.
If you’re worried about the process or aren’t sure what this means for your situation, our team is happy to explain what to expect and help you understand the next steps.
Do I need to sell my house?
Not necessarily.
Whether your home is included in the financial assessment depends on your individual circumstances and the Government’s eligibility rules.
Many families assume they must sell the family home before entering residential care, but this isn’t always the case.
If you’re unsure how your assets may affect your eligibility, Work and Income can provide advice based on your specific circumstances.
Here for you
Understanding aged care funding can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re already making important decisions about a loved one’s care.
While Alden doesn’t assess subsidy eligibility or approve applications, we’re here to help you understand the process, explain what each step involves and answer any questions along the way.
Find your nearest Alden Care Home here
What happens next?
Once you’ve applied for the Residential Care Subsidy, the next steps are usually:
1. Work and Income assesses your application
They’ll review your financial information and determine whether you meet the eligibility criteria.
2. Choose your care home
If you haven’t already done so, you can visit care homes and select the one that’s right for you.
3. Complete your admission paperwork
Your chosen care home will guide you through the remaining paperwork before you move in.
4. Move into your new home
Our team will support you and your family through every stage of the transition.
Questions families often ask us
Can Alden complete my subsidy application?
No. Residential Care Subsidy applications are managed by Work and Income. While we can’t complete the application on your behalf, we’re happy to explain the process and point you towards the right organisations.
What if I’m not eligible for the subsidy?
The alternative is residents pay privately for their care if they don’t meet the eligibility criteria. Our team can explain the different options available and discuss your circumstances with you.
Can I apply before I’ve chosen a care home?
Your Needs Assessment should be completed first. Once residential care has been recommended, you can begin exploring care homes while your funding application is being processed.