From 1 July 2021, asset thresholds for Residential Care Subsidy are as follows:
Asset thresholds increase on July 1st every year.
A person receiving Residential Care Subsidy is required to contribute income toward the cost of care. This includes NZ Super, pensions and other sources of income. A small amount of income from assets is exempt. Earnings of a partner in paid employment, NZ War Disablement pension and 50% of private super schemes are not counted as income.
When applying for public funding you are required to complete a declaration of assets sold or gifted and provide trust documents if you have set up a trust.
In some cases, assets transferred to a trust can still be counted as yours. If you are a beneficiary of a trust, the Ministry of Social Development (through Work and Income) consider it reasonable for the trust to distribute assets to you or make regular payments to cover care costs. If the trust will not support you, you will need to provide this information.
Pre-paid funeral expenses up to $10,000 for each partner are not counted as assets by Work and Income. The trust must be a Work and Income approved trust, you can check with them on 0800 999 727.
The rules relating to gifting for someone who applies for Residential Care Subsidy are quite different to those used by Inland Revenue. Discuss with Work and Income Residential Subsidy Unit on 0800 999 727.
Your home counts as an asset for single people or couples where both are in long term residential care. If you are not financially eligible for Residential Care Subsidy, have other assets of $15,000 (per person) or less, you can apply for an interest-free Residential Care Loan().
For more information on the Residential Care Subsidy - see the Work and Income() website
