Help for partners staying at home

If your partner moves into a rest home or hospital, you can get financial help to stay in your home, look after your own health and visit your partner.

If you get an NZ government pension or benefit

If your partner moves into residential care and you stay at home, you:

  • get the single, living alone rate for NZ Super or the Veteran’s Pension — rather than the rate for a couple
  • continue to receive any other benefit you’ve been getting.

This applies if you’re married, in a civil union or a de facto relationship. Work and Income has more information about:

Help with the costs of staying in your own home

From Work and Income, you may also be able to get:

Help with paying for your own healthcare

Depending on your income and situation, you may also be able to get the High Use Health Card and the Pharmaceutical Subsidy Card.

Doctors, dentists and prescriptions

The Disability Allowance helps to pay for some health costs, as well as help in and around your home.

Disability Allowance — Work and Income

If you're over 65, there may be other government help you can get.

Government help with healthcare if you're over 65

Visiting your partner in residential care

A Special Disability Allowance helps with the cost of visiting your partner in residential care. You do not apply for this allowance. This amount is included in your pension or benefit payments once the Residential Care Subsidy for your partner is approved.

Special Disability Allowance — Work and Income

You may also be able to get help with other transport costs, whether it’s your own vehicle or public transport.

Coping without a car if you’re over 65

Paying for your partner’s healthcare

Your partner may be able to get the Residential Care Subsidy if your joint income and assets are at or below the level set by the government. Otherwise, you must pay for their residential care.

Residential Care Subsidy — Work and Income

Contact Seniorline

Seniorline provides information for older people about residential care, community services and how to get help at home.

Who to contact for more help

If you need more help or have questions about the information or services on this page, contact one of the following agencies.

Utility links and page information

Was this page helpful?
Thanks, do you want to tell us more?

Do not enter personal information. All fields are optional.