The taxpayer had to shell out more than $1 million in the past five years for fraudulent care support claims.

According to Ministry of Health figures released to the Otago, until now, about 81 people have been prosecuted and 15 cases are being investigated.

People who help full-time carers for the disabled are eligible for the allowance. Some friends, neighbours and some family members also fulfill the eligibility criteria.

Acting national risk manager Michael Moore said, “The ministry had a dedicated investigator of claims to tackle offending, as well as educational programmes to service providers and needs assessors.”

For reporting suspicious claims a call could be made at 0800.

According to Health Minister Tony Ryall prosecution was likely of cases of dishonesty taken seriously.

"We want money intended for health services to be spent on health services," Ryall added.