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New Zealand aged care costs

Compare rest homes, home support, and dementia care in New Zealand dollars using Work and Income and Health NZ sources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Residential Care Subsidy asset thresholds?

If you are 65 or older and single, or a couple both in care, your total assets must be NZ$300,811 or less. If one partner stays at home you can choose Option A (include home and car, NZ$300,811) or Option B (exclude home and car, NZ$164,731). Residents on the subsidy keep a personal allowance of NZ$58.34 a week and a clothing allowance of NZ$365.92 a year. Source: Work and Income Residential Care Subsidy, updated 4 August 2026.

Does this page publish a national rest-home fee average?

Work and Income does not publish a national private rest-home fee median. If you receive NZ Super or another benefit while on the subsidy, you keep a personal allowance of NZ$58.34 a week and a clothing allowance of NZ$365.92 a year. Confirm the current weekly fee with the home.

What is NASC and who funds it?

NASC is Needs Assessment and Service Coordination, funded by Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora. A NASC assessment is the first step for publicly funded rest-home, hospital-level, or home-support services.

How can I reduce care costs?

Start with a NASC assessment, then apply to Work and Income for the Residential Care Subsidy if long-term residential care is needed. Compare providers on seniorhelp.care and confirm the current weekly New Zealand dollar fee with the home.

How we research and verify this information

Our team compiles this listing from public records and provider data, and reviews it against authoritative sources. Read our editorial standards and research methodology.