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Work homepage
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Overview
We can help you get ready to apply and find the right job for you. We can even help you while you're working.
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Get ready to work
You can get training, help with CVs and cover letters, and advice for job interviews.
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Find jobs
Find out what jobs are available, which job is best for you and how you can plan your career.
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Working
Whether you've just started a job or need some help at work, we've got your back.
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Lost your job
We'll help you get ready to find a new job and support you while you're between jobs.
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Start your own business
Get help to plan and set up a successful business or be a self-employed contractor.
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Benefits and payments homepage
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Overview
Take a look at the range of benefits and payments we have available.
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Not working
Redundancy, health condition or disability or another reason you can’t work
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Living expenses
Food, school costs, power, accommodation or other living expenses you need help with
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Relationship changes
You’ve had a relationship break-up, family breakdown or violent relationship end
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Health and Disability
Counselling, prescription and GP costs, medical alarms and other costs we can help with
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Seniors
Travelling overseas, how to apply, payment rates and dates, overseas pensions, income and other info for Seniors
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Caring
Caring for someone else’s child or someone with a health condition, injury or disability
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Urgent or unexpected costs
Dental, glasses, car repairs, fridge, washing machine, funeral or other urgent costs you need help with
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Children
Childcare, school uniforms, stationery, having a baby and other costs if you have children
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Moving to New Zealand
Payments you can get from us, settling into NZ, overseas pensions and more.
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Benefits and forms
A-Z list of benefits, forms, benefit rates
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On a benefit homepage
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Overview
Check out what you need to do when you're getting a benefit or other payment from us.
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Something's changed
Address, contact details, overseas travel, childcare, relationship or anything else that’s changed.
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Income
Declare income and income deduction tables
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Childcare
Change in your childcare situation, continue childcare payments, cohort entry schools and other childcare information
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Going overseas
Travelling or moving overseas may affect your payments.
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Re-apply, review or renew
Re-apply for a payment, review circumstances, renew medical certificate and more
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Payments
Check or stop your payments, payment cards and other information
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Debt
Check your debt, repayments and other debt information
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Rights and responsibilities
Our commitment to you, obligations, complaints, benefit fraud and more
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Housing homepage
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Overview
Find out how we can help you with housing.
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Nowhere to stay
Get help if you have nowhere to stay right now.
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Find a house
Find out where to look for private housing, or apply for public (social) housing.
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Living in your home
Get help with accommodation costs, and advice on any housing issues and public housing tenancies.
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Moving house
Find out how we can help if you’re moving house.
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Other languages
Read some of our housing information in other languages.
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loginHome repairs and maintenance
If you need money for essential repairs or maintenance for your home and you're on a benefit, we may be able to help.
You may have to pay the money back depending on your situation.
You may be able to get help if:
- you’re receiving a benefit, pension or NZ Superannuation
- you have an immediate and essential need
- the repairs or maintenance are needed to keep your home to a reasonable living standard
- you’ve been to your bank or another provider but they weren’t able to help you.
It also depends on:
- how much you and your partner earn
- any money or assets you and your partner have.
Your income will be assessed either weekly or yearly, depending on the kind of help you qualify for. These income and asset limits usually apply:
Current income limits
| If you are: | Weekly income before tax is less than |
|---|---|
| Single and 16 to 17 years old | $825.30 |
| Single and 18 years old or over | $948.50 |
| Couple (with or without children) | $1,377.69 |
| Sole parent with 1 child | $1,150.97 |
| Sole parent with 2 or more children | $1,212.61 |
Asset limits
These don't include the things you need for day-to-day living, e.g. your home, car, and some payments after a severe weather event. They do include things like money in the bank, or a second property.
| If you are: | Your assets are worth less than |
|---|---|
| Single | $1,338.90 |
| Couple (with or without children) or sole parent | $2,230.96 |
Not on a benefit
If you’re not on a benefit and need help urgently, eg with a sewage treatment system, we may still be able to help. Call us on 0800 559 009 to discuss your situation.
Generally you can get up to $1,000 depending on your situation.
What you get it for
You can get help with essential repairs and maintenance for your home, eg:
- roof
- hot water cylinder
- paths
- fences
- retaining walls.
You may also be able to get help with essential services such as:
- sewerage (eg sinks, toilet, shower, drains)
- water
- electricity connection.
Call us to book an appointment with us.
During your appointment, we’ll need to understand your situation and how we can help, and let you know what information you need to provide. This will include:
- evidence that you own your home (or have joint ownership)
- evidence that you live in your home
- evidence that you went to your bank or another provider for help but your application was unsuccessful
- evidence of the costs you're applying for, eg quotes or a link to a cost on the supplier's website. You'll need to check with the store or supplier to see if they can accept our payment.
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