Funding for Elder Care in New Zealand
Finding funding for aged care in New Zealand can feel complicated. We've listed every significant NZ funding source relevant to older people and those who support them — from government subsidies families can access directly, to grants available to community organisations setting up meals on wheels, day programmes, transport services, and social activities.
Each entry includes who administers the fund, who can apply, what it covers, how much is available, and how to apply. We verify these details regularly — the date each entry was last checked is shown.
IMPORTANT NOTE
Funding sources, eligibility criteria, and application dates change frequently. Always verify current details directly with the administering organisation before applying. The information here is a starting point — not a substitute for checking the current position with the fund directly.
Elder Care Funding For Families and Individual Carers
These funding sources are available directly to older people and their family carers — not organisations. If you're caring for a parent at home and looking for financial support, start here.
Carer Support Subsidy
Who administers it
Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora — administered through local NASC services
Who can apply
Family members and others providing full-time unpaid care (more than 4 hours per day) for a person with a health condition or disability. The person being cared for must be assessed as needing support.
What it funds
Contributes toward the cost of a relief carer so the primary carer can take a break (respite). Can be used for a professional respite carer, a day programme, or short-term residential respite. Does not cover equipment, home modifications, or transport — these are handled by separate funding streams.
Amounts available
The number of funded days depends on the needs assessment outcome. Rates per day are set by Health New Zealand and reviewed periodically — verify current rates directly. Changed from 1 April 2026.
How to apply
Contact your parent's GP or your local NASC service to request a needs assessment. Carer Support is allocated as part of this assessment. Freephone Health New Zealand: 0800 855 066.
Website
healthnz.govt.nz — search 'Carer Support Subsidy'
Last verified
March 2026
Residential Care Subsidy
Contributes toward the weekly cost of residential care. Covers the gap between the resident's assessed contribution (primarily their NZ Superannuation income) and the actual cost of care, up to the regional maximum.
We cover this in depth in How the Residential Care Subsidy Work in NZ.
Also see our guide on Rest Home Costs and how family trusts affect the Residential Care Subsidy for further information.
Residential Care Loan
A government loan against the value of the family home to fund residential care costs. Repayable when the home is eventually sold. Prevents families having to sell the family home immediately to fund care.
We cover this in more detail in the Residential Care Subsidy guide.
Lottery Individuals with Disabilities Fund
Who administers it
Department of Internal Affairs — Lottery Grants Board
Who can apply
Individuals with a disability or age-related condition of 6 months or longer that restricts their ability to participate in their community. Must be a NZ permanent resident or citizen.
What it funds
Equipment that enables community participation — mobility scooters, power chairs, communication devices, vehicle modifications, assistance dogs. Not for general household items or care costs.
Amounts available
Varies by equipment type. Scooters: typically covers most costs. Power chairs: usually full cost covered. Vehicles: approximately $40,000 toward cost. Process takes approximately 12 weeks.
How to apply
Apply online through the Department of Internal Affairs Community Advice and Grants portal. Requires a RealMe login. Committee meets 6 times per year. An occupational therapist assessment may be required.
Website
communitymatters.govt.nz — search 'Lottery Individuals with Disabilities'
Last verified
May 2026
NZ Superannuation
Who administers it
Work and Income New Zealand
Who can apply
New Zealand citizens and permanent residents aged 65 and over who meet the residency requirements (generally must have lived in NZ for at least 10 years since age 20, with 5 of those years after age 50).
What it funds
A universal government pension. Continues when entering residential care — most of it is then directed toward care costs. Also provides basis for SuperGold Card discounts on public transport and services.
Amounts available
Rates set by government and adjusted periodically. Single living alone rate approximately $530-700 per week net — verify current rates with Work and Income.
How to apply
Apply through Work and Income up to 12 weeks before turning 65. Online, by phone (0800 552 002), or in person.
Website
workandincome.govt.nz — search 'NZ Superannuation'
Last verified
May 2026 — verify current weekly rates
Veteran's Pension
Who administers it
Work and Income New Zealand — Veterans' Affairs
Who can apply
Veterans who served in qualifying operational service and who meet age and residency criteria. Also available to surviving spouses/partners in some circumstances.
What it funds
A pension equivalent to NZ Superannuation but with additional entitlements for veterans — including some healthcare and support costs depending on the nature of service and any service-related conditions.
Amounts available
At least equivalent to NZ Superannuation rate. Additional entitlements vary by circumstances.
How to apply
Contact Veterans' Affairs NZ — 0800 483 8372. Assessment of service history and eligibility required.
Website
Last verified
May 2026
Equipment and Modification Services (EMS)
Who administers it
Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora — administered through ACC and health services
Who can apply
People assessed as needing equipment or home modifications to remain safely at home. Assessment through a health professional (occupational therapist, GP, or NASC) is required.
What it funds
Home modifications to support safe independent living — grab rails, ramps, widened doorways, shower modifications, raised toilet seats. Also equipment loans — shower chairs, hospital beds, walkers. Not cosmetic alterations.
Amounts available
Varies by assessed need. Some equipment is on loan rather than gifted. Home modifications typically funded up to assessed amount — may require a contribution depending on circumstances.
How to apply
Referral from a GP, occupational therapist, or NASC coordinator. ACC administers for injury-related needs; Health New Zealand for health/age-related needs.
Website
health.govt.nz — search 'Equipment and Modification Services'
Last verified
May 2026
Total Mobility Scheme
Who administers it
Administered jointly by local/regional councils and the NZ Transport Agency (Waka Kotahi)
Who can apply
People with significant and permanent impairment that prevents them from using public transport independently. Must be assessed and registered by the local scheme administrator.
What it funds
Subsidised taxi and accessible transport fares — typically a 50% subsidy on taxi fares up to a maximum per trip. Enables access to medical appointments, shopping, and social activities for people who cannot use public transport.
Amounts available
50% subsidy on eligible trips, up to a per-trip maximum set by each regional scheme. Maximum varies by region — check with your local council.
How to apply
Contact your local regional council or visit the Waka Kotahi Total Mobility page to find your regional administrator. Assessment required.
Website
nzta.govt.nz — search 'Total Mobility'
Last verified
May 2026 — subsidy maximums vary by region, verify locally
SUGGEST A FUNDING SOURCE
If you know of a NZ funding source relevant to elder care that isn't listed here, please get in touch. We update this directory regularly and want it to be as complete as possible.
Last review of this directory: May 2026. Individual entries show their own last-verified dates.