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Services for Seniors |
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For a
summary of financial support for older adults click on the
link for the Services for Seniors booklet produced by the Ministry
of Social development (MSD) |
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National Superannuation |
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If you are at home and your
partner in care receives Residential Care Subsidy, Work and
Income will automatically increase your NZ Super to the
single, living alone rate. If your partner pays their own fees, you can
apply for the single, living alone rate. |
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Accommodation Supplement |
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You might be able to get help with the cost of renting, boarding or
owning a home. Accommodation Supplement is income and asset tested.
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Advance Payment of Benefit |
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If you have immediate need for an essential item such as dentures,
hearing aids or glasses, and have no other way to meet these costs,
you may be able to get an Advance from Work and Income. This is
income and asset tested and must be paid back. If you receive
Residential Care Subsidy you will not be asked to use your personal
allowance to repay the Advance. Recovery is generally sought from
the estate. |
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Disability Allowance |
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This helps towards extra disability costs, e.g. help with lawn
mowing, a medical alarm or medical expenses. Your doctor has to
complete a medical certificate for Work and Income to help decide
eligibility. The allowance is income tested. |
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Special Disability Allowance |
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Partners of those receiving
Residential Care Subsidy may get this allowance to help meet the
costs of visiting. |
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SuperGold Card |
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This card replaces the Community
Services Card and the NZ Super Card. It gives over-65s discounts and
concessions at participating businesses. Entitlement to subsidies on
doctors’ fees and prescriptions is noted on the card for those who
qualify. Apply through Work and Income. |
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Community Services Card |
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Criteria for entitlement to Community Services
Card and help with health costs |
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Prescription Subsidy Card |
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Once you have the Prescription Subsidy Card,
you do not have to pay any more prescription charges for the rest of
the year. You're eligible for the card once you've paid for 20 new
prescription medicine items from 1 February each year. |
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High Use Health Card |
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If you do not qualify for
Community Services Card subsidy but have frequent doctor visits for
a chronic health condition, you might qualify for a high-use health
card. This card reduces the cost of prescriptions and fees for
doctor visits. Discuss with your doctor. |
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Rates rebate |
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If your income is limited, you may qualify for a
rates rebate. Contact your local council. |
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Discount Taxi Vouchers |
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This reduces the cost of taxi travel for people assessed as unable
to use public transport because of permanent disability. Those
eligible hold
an identity card. The scheme is managed by a number of disability
organisations and you need to join the organisation. Participating
agencies include Alzheimer’s, Stroke Foundation, Age Concern and
others. |
Ministry of Health
