Special Needs Grant (one-off, non-recoverable)
For an immediate and essential or emergency cost you can't pay another way: food, power, gas, water, clothing, bedding, dental, glasses, essential home repairs, car repairs and more. Weekly income must be under $1,010.41 (single 18+) or $1,467.61 (couple), and cash assets are considered.
Money is loaded on a payment card, usable at supermarkets and stores. You have 7 days to spend it.
Advance Payment of Benefit / Recoverable Assistance
If you're on a main benefit you may get an Advance Payment (repaid from your benefit). If you aren't, a Recoverable Assistance Payment may be available. Asset limits for an advance: $1,411.22 single, $2,351.46 couple/sole parent.
Temporary Additional Support (weekly, up to 13 weeks)
A weekly, non-taxed payment when you can't cover essential living costs (rent, mortgage, power, transport to work, childcare, health costs). You don't need to be on a benefit, but you must be over 16 and a NZ citizen or permanent resident who normally lives here, and they look at your income and assets and what you're doing to reduce costs or boost income. It's paid for 13 weeks and you re-apply to continue; the weekly amount depends on your situation.
Accommodation Supplement
Helps with rent, board or mortgage costs, and isn't taxed. Cash asset limits: $8,100 single, $16,200 couple or sole parent. Maximum weekly rates depend on your area (1–4) and family:
| Situation | Area 1 | Area 2 | Area 3 | Area 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single | $165 | $105 | $80 | $70 |
| Couple, no children / sole parent 1 child | $235 | $155 | $105 | $80 |
| Couple with children / sole parent 2+ | $305 | $220 | $160 | $120 |
Other help worth asking about
- Community Services Card: cheaper GP visits and prescriptions, and public transport discounts in some regions. Annual income limits (before tax) include $37,116 (single, living alone) and $55,501 (couple); there are other limits for families. People on Jobseeker Support also receive one.
- Family Tax Credits: $151.91/week for the first child, $123.78 for each other child (max rates).
- Childcare Subsidy: up to $6.72/hour per child.
- Winter Energy Payment, paid automatically during winter to people on Jobseeker Support.
- Food help: ask Work and Income about help to pay for food, and look for foodbanks and Pātaka Kai run by local community groups.
- MoneyTalks: free, confidential financial mentors on 0800 345 123.
Sources
- Urgent or unexpected costs (opens in a new tab)
- Special Needs Grant (opens in a new tab)
- Temporary Additional Support (opens in a new tab)
- Accommodation Supplement (opens in a new tab)
General information only. Confirm with the agency for your situation. Spotted something out of date? Email help@unemployed.nz.