Need Funding for Aged Care but don't know where to start?
Looking for Aged Care Funding for you or a loved one?
Take the 30-second check to see what support you may be eligible for.
It’s free, simple, and helps you stay safe and independent at home.
Frustrated trying to navigate the Aged Care Funding System?
Many older New Zealanders qualify for some level of home support funding — but the rules aren’t straightforward, and most families only find out by accident.
This quick tool makes it simple. Answer a few short questions and instantly see what you may be eligible for, including when a Needs Assessment is part of the process.
What a Needs Assessment Is (and Who It’s For)
A Needs Assessment is the process Te Whatu Ora (Health NZ) uses to understand what daily support a person requires to live safely at home. It’s how assessors determine eligibility for publicly funded home help or personal care.
Assessments are free and carried out by trained assessors in your region — such as Support Net (Bay of Plenty) or Nurse Maude (Canterbury).
You may qualify for a Needs Assessment if:
You’re 65 or older and need support with everyday tasks due to illness, injury, or age-related changes.
You’re under 65 with a long-term condition or disability (through a different pathway).
You don’t need to know exactly what help you require — the assessor will explore this with you.
What to Expect
Referral
Your GP or hospital sends a referral to the local Needs Assessment team.
Discussion
They ask about your health, mobility, safety, and how you manage daily tasks.
Plan
You’ll receive a written plan outlining what help you qualify for — funded, community, or private support .
Contact
A Needs Assessor phones or visits you to talk about your situation.
Review
They look at relevant medical notes from your GP or specialist.
Assessments are free, confidential, and focused on helping you stay independent.
Waiting Times
- Long-term support assessments can take 4–6 months.
- Short-term or post-hospital cases are usually arranged more quickly through hospital or community care teams.
Funding and Eligibility
- The assessment itself is free.
- Having a Community Services Card (CSC) can make it easier to receive help with housework or meals.
- Even without a CSC, you may still qualify for personal-care support (e.g., showering, dressing, medication) if your health or mobility affects daily life.
How to Apply
Ask your GP to refer you to your local team:
- Bay of Plenty:
- Support Net – 0800 840 292 (Long Term Support)
- Canterbury:
- Nurse Maude – 03 375 4200
- Other Regions:
- NASC – 0800 725 463
Expect a call within a few weeks to schedule your assessment.
Don’t Wait to Get Help
While waiting for your funded support to start, you can arrange private home care straight away.
- Overnight Support
- Personal care and companionship
- Household help
- Meal preparation
- Transport and errands