This payment is designed to support full-time carers. It can provide reimbursement of some of the costs of engaging a support person to care and support you or allow for purchases which will support your carer in their role.
- A full-time carer is defined as someone who provides more than four hours of unpaid care per day.
- Family/ whānau ‘employed’ by home support providers as paid carers may also be eligible for the subsidy.
The Carer Support Subsidy is accessed via an assessment. The assessment determines your allocation which is calculated as a number of days/hours per year, depending on both your and your carer’s needs.
The minimum daily rate is $80 (for historical reasons, it may be higher in a few regions). Carers can claim a few days at a time or the whole annual budget at once.
The Carer Support Subsidy can be used in a variety of ways including having a home support provider, friend, neighbour and some family members staying over while your carer has a break, attendance at a day programme or contributing to a short stay at a care home.
It can also be used to buy products and equipment, e.g. a home monitoring device to support the care of someone living with dementia. (Check if you qualify for subsidised loan equipment and home modification services before using your Carer Support for these products and services.)
Note: The subsidy may not cover the full cost of services products or equipment so a top up payment may be required.
For payment: Your carer needs to ensure the assessment is done and allocation approved, that purchases meet guidelines, and that receipts are kept and provided as necessary. They must also keep track of the days/amounts used, make any bookings needed, and arrange for payment. Email claim forms and other supporting documents to: csclaims@health. govt.nz or post to Private Bag 1942, Dunedin 9054. Find the Carer Support Claim Form (and tips for filling it out) on the Health NZ website. You can also contact the Carer Support Line on freephone 0800 855 066
Updated: 30 May 2025