Residential Care Subsidy asset thresholds in New Zealand increased as of 1 July 2025

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If you or a loved one need long term care in a hospital or care home, you may consider applying for the Residential Care Subsidy. It provides financial assistance to people who meet certain eligibility requirements (which include both health and financial criteria).

Who is eligible?

Whether  you are eligible for a Residential Care Subsidy partly depends on how much money and assets you and your partner or spouse (if you have one) have, and how much you and any partner or spouse earn. If you seek residential care, a financial means assessment will be undertaken to gauge whether you are financially eligible to receive the subsidy.

The asset thresholds as at July 2025 are as follows:

If you are a single person between the ages of 50 to 64 with no dependent children, you will automatically be eligible.

If you are 65 years old or older and single, your total assets  must be $291,825 or less in order to quality.

If you  have a partner who is already in long term residential care, you and your partner's total assets must be $291,825 or less.

If you are 65 or older and have a partner who is not in long term residential care already, you can choose whether to include the value of your family home and car in your assets. Your combined assets must be either $159,810 or less not including the value of your home and car, or $291,825 or less which does include the value of your home and car.

What happens if you don't meet the requirements for the subsidy?

If your assets are above the asset thresholds and you have been assessed as requiring residential care, you will be required to pay for your care privately. However, as your assets decrease, you may be eligible for a subsidy.

Need help with your application or have questions?

Please contact us if you have any queries in relation to these changes and how they may affect you or your loved one's eligibility for financial assistance in relation to care. We can also help if you would like any assistance with applying for a residential care subsidy.

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