Income of person requiring care

You can consider that the person has the ability to pay for their care if:

• they receive New Zealand Superannuation and their total income is $2,600 (before tax) or more over the rate of New Zealand Superannuation (before tax) that is due to them and their partner or
• their total income is $2,600 (before tax) or more than the gross rate of Supported Living Payment that is or would be due to them and their partner

If the person is able to pay for their care then the client cannot receive an Emergency Benefit.

Cash assets are also included in the assessment of the patient's income. For more information see:

• Cash assets of person requiring care

You also need to look at whether the person has recently given any money away or sold any assets.

Example

For a detailed example of determining whether a patient can contribute to their care see:

• Example assessing cash assets