Are some home support services free?

Some home support services may be free to you. There may be a part charge or you may have to pay for your services yourself. It depends on your situation. Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora, the government health agency, have an assessment process that considers whether you're eligible, the sort of support you need.

If you want to access any Health NZ subsidised service your needs must be assessed by someone from their contracted assessment agency. Eligibility criteria including financial criteria also apply. Generally those who hold a Community Services Card will be eligible for subsidised services. There may however be services such as personal assistance (help with showering, bathing, etc) carer support etc that non-cardholders can also access. For full information talk to someone from your local Needs Assessment Service Coordination (NASC) team. See also the article on 'What financial assistance can I get?'

You may contact a NASC agency yourself or go through your GP. There is no cost for an assessment. If you go through your GP you will need to pay the usual GP charge.

One thing that it is helpful to remember is; that if the person getting subsidised home support services would like more hours/services than have been allocated, it is possible to purchase additional hours/services. The additional hours/services do not have to be purchased from the same agency.