There have been amendments to these regulations (Regulations (No 2) 2013 (SR 2013/189), which came into force on 1 July 2013; they amend Schedule 27 of the Social Security Act 1964 (the Act). Schedule 27 relates to means assessments for long-term residential care.
The relevant asset thresholds set out in Schedule 27 are increased by 0.86%, as required by s155(2) of the Act. This is the change of the movement in the New Zealand Consumers Price Index (All Groups) for the year ended 31 March 2013. The new asset thresholds, rounded up to the nearest whole dollar (as required by s155(3) of the Act), are:
- Threshold A: $215,132 (applies to residents with no spouse or partner, or whose spouse or partner also requires care, or whose spouse or partner does not require care but has elected to have Threshold A apply), and
- Threshold B: $117,811 (applies to residents with a spouse or partner who does not require care and who has not elected to have Threshold A apply).
If you need more guidance on means testing for long-term residential care, please don’t hesitate to contact us.