You might find that housing costs take up a large part of your income. Rent, board, or mortgage payments can become harder to manage, especially if your income is fixed or has changed.
If you need help to pay rent or other accommodation costs, or support to stay in your home, Work and Income may be able to provide financial support. Even if you are receiving NZ Super, you may still qualify.
Read more about the different types of support here – Housing costs – Work and Income
One of the most common supports is Accommodation Supplement. Work and Income provide full information; however we have provided some helpful information below.
Accommodation supplement
The Accommodation Supplement is a payment that can help with these costs.
How much you can get depends on your situation, including your income, savings and assets, your housing costs, and where you live in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Who is eligible?
You may be able to get the Accommodation Supplement payment if your housing costs are higher than you can comfortably afford.
Some of the key factors:
- How much your income and savings are. This includes any KiwiSaver and NZ Super. Work and Income’s website shows the income threshold amounts.
- Where you live. There are four defined areas that impact the level of support.
- How much you pay in rent, board, or have a mortgage
If you are living in public housing (such as Kāinga Ora housing) you are not eligible for Accommodation Supplement.
If your costs go up or your situation changes, your payment can also change.
You’ll find more detailed information in our Useful Websites section below.
How do you apply?
You need to apply to Work and Income. You can apply online through MyMSD or complete a paper form and arrange to talk with Work and Income for support on 0800 559 009.
You can find a list of Work and Income service centres here.
You will need to provide detailed information when applying. It’s useful to gather information together before starting. Some of the information that you may need time to pull together are:
- The amount you pay in rent, board, or mortgage payments, and when you started paying
- Details of other people you live with, including full name, date of birth, how much they pay, and when they started paying
- Your (& your partner’s) cash, non-cash assets, and trusts, including the type of asset (e.g, savings, shares), and the value. Your car and any locked in KiwiSaver are not included. Read about assets from Work and Income here
- Type and amount you receive from other Work and Income payments
- If you are a homeowner with mortgage costs, you’ll need to provide details of your costs, including rates and repairs/maintenance.
You will also need to verify your identity when you are applying.
Tenancy maintenance and repairs
In most cases, your landlord is responsible for repairs. You will be responsible for general maintenance, and it will depend on your tenancy agreement who does things like lawns and keeping gutters clear.
Community housing will manage some maintenance and repairs. It’s best to talk with them so you understand each of your responsibilities. Kāinga Ora provides information your home, maintenance, rent and everyday information for people living in their homes.
Age Concern engages landlords to work with their tenant to make the home age-friendly. Having conversations about handrails in stairwells and bathrooms can make a rental more attractive to some older New Zealanders.
Other support for homeowners
Rates rebate scheme
A rates rebate is a partial discount on a rates bill – you pay less for your rates.
If you own your home and are on a low income, you may be eligible for a rates rebate.
Warmer Kiwi homes
Insulation and heating play a big part in making your home warm, dry and healthy.
EECA grants cover 50-90% of the cost of approved insulation and up to 90% of the cost of approved heaters.
Residential care
Residential care subsidy
The Residential Care Subsidy can help pay for long-term care in a rest home or hospital if you need it. It’s paid directly to the care provider by Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora, so you don’t have to manage the payments yourself.
You have must be assessed as needing ongoing residential care and meet certain income and asset limits. These limits consider your savings, property, and any income you or your partner receive.
If you’re unsure whether you qualify, get in touch with Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora. They can help you understand your options and guide you through the process.
Residential care loan
If you’re going into residential care and want to keep your home for a while, you may not be able to pay for the cost of your care. You may be able to get a Residential Care Loan to help pay for this.
