To be eligible for public funding for residential care, a person must meet the eligibility criteria for the full range of public funded health and disability services, and be assessed as requiring residential care.

To be eligible to receive publicly funded health and disability services, a person would need to:

  • be a New Zealand citizen; OR
  • be an Australian citizen or permanent resident who has been living or is intending to live in New Zealand for 2 years or more; OR
  • hold a residence class visa (ie, residence permit, resident visa or permanent resident visa; OR
  • be a refugee or protected person.

To be eligible for publicly funded residential care the person must have:

  • a needs assessment to determine their needs and the level of care required to meet those needs. It may be determined that the person is able to receive services in the community or in a supported living environment, and that residential care is not required to meet their needs.

During the service coordination process it will then be determined:

  • whether or not the person has a condition that can be reversed;
  • whether or not the person can be safely supported in the community; OR
  • if the person needs long-term residential care indefinitely, what level of care is required – in a rest home or a continuing-care hospital.

It may be determined that the person is able to receive services in the community or in a supported living environment, and that residential care is not required to meet their needs.

The Needs Assessment Service Coordination agency (NASC) in your area is responsible for needs assessments.

The attached links are to related information: