Important changes to Carer Support claims process

If you’re a support person and have been getting Carer Support Claim forms by mail, there’s been a change!

July 24th, 2025

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is no longer automatically sending these Claim Forms by post. If you’re full-time carer of a disabled family member, this means you will need to download the forms from the Disability Support Services (DSS) website.  

What is the subsidy? 

Carer Support is a government-funded subsidy designed to give full-time support people time away to rest and recharge. It can be used to pay a substitute carer or help cover necessary expenses while the full-time carer takes a break.  

To make a Carer Support claim, you or your support person will now need to: 

  1. Download the Carer Support Claim Form from the DSS New Zealand website. 

You can find how to access Carer Support and download the form here.   

  1. Fill in the form, including  personal details – the forms that used to be sent out had this information pre-filled.   

  1. Submit the form via email to csclaims@health.govt.nz or post it to  

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora  
Private Bag 1942, 
Dunedin 9054 

Te Whatu Ora recommends sending the forms via email for quicker and more reliable processing.  

  1. Refer to the Carer Support Subsidy page for full details 

 

If you do need a physical form sent to you, you can still request one, it’s just that they won't come automatically anymore. You can get one by contacting the Carer Support Team by phone on 0800 855 066 or email at  carer_support@health.govt.nz. 

Find out more about Carer Supports https://firstport.co.nz/get-support/people-and-organisations/support-carers/carer-support-in-new-zealand  

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