Aside from NZ Super (which any eligible person over 65 can receive), other financial support may be available to those who qualify. The following is a selection only. Contact Work and Income for information about support relevant to your specific need. Check the Work and Income website to see what you may be eligible to receive, as rates can change each year.
Special Needs Grant A one-off payment to help with urgent things you’ve no other way to pay for, such as food, bedding, and emergency medical care. You won’t usually have to pay this back. Income and assets are considered and there are other conditions.
Recoverable Assistance Payment If you’re not receiving NZ Super or another benefit and you need something you can’t afford to pay for right now, such as whiteware, you may be able to get this payment. You need to pay it back, usually by instalments, and there are other conditions.
Advance Payment of Benefit If you urgently need something you can’t afford right now, such as essential house repairs, dental treatment, or household appliances, you may be able to get some of your benefit, NZ Super or Veteran’s Pension paid ahead of time. Income and asset tested. It must be paid back, usually through deductions from your payments.
Income limits for hardship support, such as Special Needs Grant and Recoverable Assistance Payment, have been permanently increased as part of the Government's Wellbeing Budget. Visit the Work and Income website for information about the increased income limits and to find out of you are eligible. You can also check what you might be eligible for using this online tool or call 0800 552 002 (for over-65’s).
Other financial support you may be eligible to access includes:
Orphan’s Benefit and Unsupported Child’s Benefit These are to help caregivers of dependent children. A range of support may be available and may include a Childcare Subsidy, Establishment Grant, Extraordinary Care Fund, school, and year start-up payment and/ or other assistance.
Emergency Benefit Assistance that may be paid to people who cannot support themselves and who do not qualify for any other payments.
Accommodation Supplement For help towards rent, board, or the cost of owning a home. Income and asset tested. Additional criteria are also considered. People living in public housing (Kāinga Ora and approved community housing) don’t qualify.
Disability Allowance For extra expenses due to a health condition or disability that is likely to last at least six months. A doctor’s certificate is required as part of the application. The allowance is income tested. Keep relevant receipts if you plan to apply for this allowance; you will need them at the time of application or re-application.
Supported Living Payment For those who are either caring for someone (but not their spouse or partner) at home who would otherwise need to be in residential care or a hospital, or have a health condition, injury or disability that restricts their ability to work. Individual circumstances are considered.
Temporary Additional Support This weekly payment is for those who cannot meet their essential costs from their income or other sources. It is paid for up to 13 weeks and is determined by your cash assets and other factors.
A Funeral Grant may be available to help with funeral costs. This is income and asset testing of the deceased, partner and parent or guardian applies.
Winter Energy Payment Paid in the cooler months only, this is to help with the cost of home heating. It is paid automatically to those who receive NZ Super, Veteran’s Pension, or other benefits.
Extra Help This section Extra Help on the Work and Income website provides more detailed information
Check the Work and Income website to see what you may be eligible to receive, as rates can change each year.
Updated: 12 Jul 2023