Clients not receiving a main benefit

If a client enters residential care and is not receiving a main benefit, the client should be invited to apply for the appropriate main benefit at the nearest Work and Income service centre. Consider eligibility to Jobseeker Support on the ground of a health condition, injury or disability, Supported Living Payment on the ground of a health condition, injury, disability or total blindness or Emergency Benefit.

If all qualifying criteria are met and the benefit is to be granted, the Residential Subsidy Unit in Whangarei must be informed as soon as the benefit has been authenticated. This is to ensure the client receives the correct rate of benefit while in residential care.

If the client does not qualify for a benefit or chooses not to apply for a main benefit they may not have to contribute towards the cost of their care. This is at the discretion of the Ministry of Health.