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Feature article
Who pays for rest home care in NZ?
Understanding residential care funding
12 December 2025
What we’ll cover:
The three ways rest home fees are paid
1. Full government funding (Residential Care Subsidy)
2. Full private payment
3. The Residential Care Loan
Financial thresholds: The asset test
Age 50-64
Age 65+
Age 65+ with partner staying at home
| What is counted in your assets? | The maximum limit you can have | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Option 1: Lower limit | Option 1: Lower limit | Everything but your family home and car. | Everything but your family home and car. | Your other assets must be $159,810 or less. | Your other assets must be $159,810 or less. |
| Option 2: Higher limit | Option 2: Higher limit | Everything, including the value of your family home and car. | Everything, including the value of your family home and car. | Your total assets must be $291,825 or less. | Your total assets must be $291,825 or less. |
The income test
Gifting and deprivation rules
Final word on fees
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