The Needs Assessment Service Coordination (NASC) is the gateway to virtually all government-funded support for older New Zealanders and those with disabilities. Home support hours, carer subsidies, day programmes, residential care funding — all of it flows through a NASC assessment.
Most families don't know it exists until they're already in crisis. This guide explains how to access it, what to expect, and how to get the most from the process.
What is NASC?
NASC services are funded by Health New Zealand (Te Whatu Ora) and delivered regionally. A NASC coordinator assesses what support a person needs to live safely and well — taking into account physical health, cognitive function, social circumstances, and the capacity of family carers.
Based on the assessment, the NASC coordinator coordinates access to funded services: home support, carer support subsidies, day programmes, respite care, and residential care.
How to access NASC
Referrals can come from a GP, hospital discharge team, public health nurse, or specialist. You can also self-refer by contacting your local Health NZ office directly.
Action: The fastest way to start is to ask the GP to refer to NASC at the next appointment. If your family member is in hospital, ask the ward nurse or social worker to make the referral before discharge — hospital referrals are often processed faster.
What happens at the assessment
A NASC coordinator — usually a nurse or social worker — visits the home. The assessment typically takes 1–2 hours and covers:
- Physical health and medical conditions
- Cognitive function and memory
- Ability to manage activities of daily living (showering, dressing, meals, medications)
- Social situation and available support from family
- Housing and safety at home
- Carer strain and family capacity
How to prepare for the assessment
The NASC assessment determines funding — preparation matters. Before the assessor arrives:
- Write down a typical day — what your family member can and cannot do independently
- Note the worst days, not just the average — assessors need to understand the full range
- Be honest about carer strain. If you are exhausted, say so. Carer capacity directly affects the assessment outcome.
- Ask the GP to send a letter or referral that documents the clinical complexity
- Have a list of current medications ready
Common mistake: Families present their best face at assessment — minimising difficulties because they don't want to appear incapable. This often results in fewer funded hours than needed. The assessor is there to help, not to judge. Describe the hard days.
What NASC can fund
Home support
Personal care (showering, dressing, toileting) and in some cases household management (cooking, cleaning). Hours are allocated based on assessed need. Delivered through contracted home support providers.
Carer Support subsidy
A payment of up to 28 days per year to fund respite — giving the primary carer a break. You arrange a relief carer and the subsidy covers the cost. It can also cover day programmes or short-term residential respite.
Funded Family Care
In limited circumstances, family members can be paid to provide personal care for a relative with high and complex needs. Eligibility is strict — partners and parents of dependent children are generally excluded. Ask your NASC coordinator specifically about this option if it may apply.
Residential care funding
If home support is no longer sufficient, NASC coordinates the transition to residential care and arranges the financial assessment for the residential care subsidy (means-tested).
If you disagree with the outcome
If the assessment results in fewer hours or less support than you feel is needed, you have the right to request a reassessment. Bring additional evidence — a care diary, a letter from the GP documenting clinical complexity, specific examples of incidents or close calls.
You can also request the NASC coordinator's supervisor review the decision. If still unresolved, the Health and Disability Commissioner (HDC) can be contacted.
Reassessment over time
NASC funding is reviewed periodically — typically every 6–12 months for stable situations, more frequently if needs are changing. If your family member's condition deteriorates significantly between reviews, request an early reassessment rather than waiting. Don't manage on insufficient hours because the next scheduled review is months away.
CarerCompass is free and run by a GP in their spare time.
If it helped, you can support the project.
Need to understand the full NZ aged care system? The CarerCompass New Zealand guide covers NASC, Carer Support subsidy, residential care, and Enduring Power of Attorney.
Read the NZ guide →This article provides general information about NASC and home support in New Zealand. Services and funding vary by region — contact Health NZ (0800 855 066) or Carers NZ (0800 777 797) for specific advice.