Carer support: get to know it

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Published 29 June 2022

 

Who can get it

Carer Support is for the main carer of the person with a disability. It is meant to help the carer take a break from their caring role.

 

How much you can get

Carer Support is currently set by the Ministry of Health at $80 per day. The number of Carer Support days is based on the needs of the carer and the disabled person.

Carer Support days is allocated for a 12-month period and reviewed annually. It does not carry over and must be used within the allocated 12-month period.

You will receive a letter from us telling you how much Carer Support days you will get. The Ministry of Health also has this information.

 

How to use it

Carer Support can be used to pay someone else to look after the disabled person, so the main carer can have a break. You can pay a relative or friend who does not live at your same address, and is over 16 years of age. 

Carer Support can also be used to buy some items or activities that directly benefit the disabled person.

You can always check with the Ministry of Health if the service, item and activity you want to buy can be reimbursed.

Please note that you have up to 90 days to make a claim following a payment or purchase.

To make a claim, call the Ministry of Health on 0800 855 066 to request a claim form.

 

Examples

Carer Support has been used to request reimbursement for the following:

  • Annual passes or memberships to recreation facilities like pools, parks, the zoo
  • After-school and holiday programmes
  • Art and craft materials
  • Exercise and sports equipment

 

Carer Support balance

Call the Ministry of Health on 0800 855 066 to find out how many Carer Support days you have remaining.

 

Some reminders

Carer Support is a payment and may be subject to tax. Contact the IRD on 0800 775 247 or WINZ on 0800 559 009 to find out if you need to pay tax.

You can download Carer Support forms from the Ministry of Health website at www.health.govt.nz.

You can also send your completed claim forms to csclaims@health.govt.nz.

For any Carer Support claim queries, please call the Ministry of Health on 0800 855 066.

Download a PDF copy of Carer Support fact sheet (42kb PDF).

Find out more about other types of disability supports. 

ENDS