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Explore your eligibility for a Residential Care Subsidy

Once you’ve signed your admission agreement, your next step is to find out whether you’re eligible for financial assistance through the Residential Care Subsidy - sometimes called the Rest Home Subsidy. This government funded support can help cover the cost of long term care, depending on your financial circumstances.

If you’re not in a position to apply yourself - for example, due to health or mobility issues - a trusted family member, friend, or someone with enduring power of attorney can support you through the process or manage it on your behalf.

It’s best to begin this step as soon as possible and submit an application within 90 days of admission to your care home.

What is the Residential Care Subsidy?

The Residential Care Subsidy is financial support from the New Zealand Government to help cover the cost of long-term care in a certified care home (also known as a rest home). The subsidy is available to people who meet the eligibility criteria, need permanent residential care, and meet Work and Income asset and income thresholds.

The level of subsidy you receive will depend on:

  • Your income and assets
  • Whether you have a partner, and their financial circumstances
  • Your personal situation

The amount you receive can vary, some residents may still need to contribute to the cost of their care.

Applying for the subsidy: What to expect

The application process is handled by Work and Income and includes both a financial assessment and some supporting documentation. It’s a good idea to involve a family member, support person, or your power of attorney in this process.

You’ll need to:

  • Complete an application form through Work and Income
  • Provide proof of income (such as NZ Superannuation or pensions)
  • Provide proof of assets (such as savings, property or investments)
  • Share details of your admission agreement 

Once submitted, Work and Income will assess your eligibility and let you know: If you qualify for the subsidy

  • What portion of care costs the subsidy will cover
  • How much you’ll need to contribute personally

If approved, the subsidy will be paid directly to the care home on your behalf.

Learn more about the possible outcomes of a subsidy application.

What happens if you’re not eligible?

If you're not eligible for the Residential Care Subsidy, or if your application is still being processed, you’ll need to cover the full cost of your care in the meantime. The care home team will be able to talk to you and your family about your payment options and help you understand what’s included in the cost.

If your financial situation changes, you may be able to reapply for the subsidy.

Next step: Preparing to move in

Once your financial arrangements are sorted, you're ready to move into your new care home. We have support and advice to help you feel settled and supported.

Learn more about what to expect when moving into a care home

Helpful links and resources

Your care home journey

Where to start for aged care

Step 1

‎ Where to start

We know there’s a lot to consider when a family member or friend starts needing more support with everyday tasks. This guide provides early signs to look out for, such as missed medication, reduced independence, or difficulty keeping up with routines — and offers supportive advice on what to do next. If you’ve noticed a change or decline in a family member or friend a visit to your GP might be your next step.

Organising a needs assessment with a NASC

Step 2

Organising a needs assessment

Before moving into a care home (also known as a rest home), you will need to organise a needs assessment. This may be done by Health NZ Te Whatu Ora or Health NZ funded Needs Assessment and Service Coordination (NASC) agencies. A person may also be assessed by a specialist while a patient in a public hospital. This process helps ensure you or your family member receives the right support, based on expert advice.

As part of the assessment, you will find out:

  • If the person can be safely supported in the community, or;
  • If the person needs long term residential care (in a care home) and;
  • at level of care is needed, for example rest home, hospital or dementia care.
Mother and daughter writing an action plan

Step 3

Create a personalised action plan

Now that your needs assessment is complete, it’s time to create a personalised action plan. In this guide, we’ll explain how your Needs Assessment and Service Coordination (NASC) coordinator will help you access the services you need, whether that’s help at home, respite care, or a move into a care home (also known as a rest home), and guide you through key legal and financial processes such as designating power of attorney, or applying for a Residential Care Subsidy.

Choosing the right care home for you

Step 4

Choosing the right care home

Choosing a care home (also known as a rest home) is a big decision, and often one that needs to be made quickly. Whether you’re planning ahead or navigating an urgent situation, this information will help you feel more confident about what to look for, who can support you, and what to expect when visiting a Bupa care home.

Mother and daughter signing an admission agreement into a care home

Step 5

Sign an admission agreement

Before moving into a care home, you’ll be asked to sign an admission agreement. This document outlines your rights, the care and services you’ll receive, and any costs involved. In this video, we’ll walk you through what to expect from the agreement, what to look out for, and how the care home team can support you to feel confident before signing.

Moving in to care at Bupa with Daughters support

Step 7

Moving in

Moving into a care home (also known as a rest home) is a big step for you and your family/whānau. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to expect on moving day, what to bring with you, and how the team will help you settle in.

From making your room feel like home, to meeting new people and staying connected with family and friends, we’re here to support you

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