How Much Can I Earn? | Payments

There are no limits on the income you can earn - but to qualify for a Residential Care Subsidy, any income you and your partner receive will be assessed to determine the amount you contribute towards the cost of your care. For the purposes of Residential Care Subsidy, a War Disablement Pension is not counted as income.

By 'income', Work and Income NZ means things like:

- any New Zealand superannuation, pension or income support payments
- Overseas Government pensions
- Contributions from relatives
- Accident insurance payments
- Earnings from investments or a business
- Income from a family trust

- Money that your partner has earned through employment

- The first $879 per year earnings or interest that you make from your assets

- The first $1758 per year earnings or interest that you and your partner make from assets if your partner is in care

- The first $2636 net per year earnings or interest that you and your partner make from assets if your partner is not in care. (as at July 2009)

For New Zealand registered private superannuation schemes and annuities, only 50% is counted as income.

The Residential Care Subsidy is paid directly to the rest home or hospital by the Ministry of Health. The amount of subsidy that is paid is the difference between the cost of your care and your assessed income contribution.

You must continue to pay for your care until it is established that you are eligible for a subsidy.

If you receive New Zealand Superannuation or any other benefit, most of each payment will go towards your care. The rest is then paid to you as a personal allowance. You will also receive a clothing allowance paid once a year.