New Zealand · Preparation checklist

Carer Support subsidy checklist

1. Step 1

   Confirm you count as a full-time carer

   Carer Support is for people providing more than four hours a day of unpaid care. That is the threshold used to define a "full-time carer" for this subsidy.

2. Step 2

   Arrange a needs assessment through NASC

   Carer Support is arranged through a Health NZ Needs Assessment Service Coordination (NASC) service. You can self-refer, or a health professional such as your GP can refer you.

3. Step 3

   Find out your allocation

   The NASC assessor decides how many days a year you are allocated. Allocations typically sit in the 12–28 day range depending on assessed need, with a minimum daily rate cited at $83. Your own allocation comes from your assessment, not from a standard figure.

4. Step 4

   Arrange relief care within your allocation

   You choose the relief carer and arrange the break. The relief carer is generally a third party — usually not someone living in the same household as the person being cared for.

5. Step 5

   Complete the claim form after the respite is used

   The Carer Support claim form is completed after the relief care has taken place, and is signed by both the carer and the relief carer.

6. Step 6

   Submit the claim

   Email the form to csclaims@health.govt.nz with the client number in the subject line, or post it to Private Bag 1942, Dunedin 9054. The Carer Support Line is 0800 855 066.