Your Law - New Zealand Means Testing

Please click on the links below to learn about New Zealand Government means testing.

Introduction
New Zealand means testing of long term geriatric care costs
New Zealand means testing of Government pensions (and other benefits)

  

Introduction
New Zealand currently has no asset or income means tests for pensions, but has severe means testing for geriatric care (and other benefits and allowances).

In New Zealand while there are opportunities to plan to avoid such means testing they should be put in place well prior to age 65. This is because there is gift duty in New Zealand, and the means testing rules, which limit the amount that can be disposed of to a trust or others.

New Zealand means testing of long term geriatric care costs

If you are assessed as needing long term geriatric care you may be asked to make as contributions towards your care fees.

In New Zealand the means testing of long term geriatric care costs over age 65 is dealt with in legislation and regulations. Long term geriatric care is income tested and asset tested. 

For detailed information see:

Work and Income Manual
Contains the Work and Income manual and procedures used by Work and Income staff to help guide their decisions.

New Zealand means testing of Government pensions (and other benefits)