Are You a Carer?
Do you know that Work and Income can help you financially?
Domestic Purposes Benefit – Care of Sick or Infirm
If you are caring full-time at home for a person who has a serious illness or disability you may be eligible for Domestic Purposes Benefit – Care of Sick or Infirm.
The person can be:
- your child
- a family member (other than your partner or spouse)
- a member of your community.
You do not need to be single.
This benefit may be for you if you cannot work full-time because you need to care for someone.
If you are 16-17 years old you will need to talk to us about the situation before you can get this benefit.
To get this benefit you need to apply to Work and Income. You will also need to see a doctor – usually the doctor of the person you are caring for. The doctor will advise whether the person you care for meets the medical criteria.
There is an income limit for this assistance.
Other financial assistance
Child Disability Allowance
If you care for a child or young person under 18 years old who has a serious disability, who needs constant care and attention, you may also be eligible for a Child Disability Allowance. There is no income or asset limit for this allowance.
Disability Allowance
If the person being cared for has ongoing additional costs because of ill health or disability, they may get a Disability Allowance. It helps with costs like regular visits to the doctor, prescriptions, and some travel costs. There is an income limit for this allowance.
Further information
For the full range of help available, please discuss your situation with us. We can help you apply.
