Financial hardship

If you are experiencing financial hardship, there is assistance available. If you are struggling with living expenses such as rent, food, power, heating, or electricity, you can contact your local Age Concern for advice on how to manage these financial necessities.
You may also qualify for extra support from Work and Income. Some payments that are available include:

• Special Needs Grant – a one-off payment to help you pay for an essential or emergency cost
• Temporary Additional Support – a weekly payment that helps you when you do not have enough money to cover essential living costs for up to 13 weeks
• Advance Payment of Benefit – a one-off payment to help you pay for an essential or emergency cost if you already receive a benefit
• Rates rebates – up to $655 off your rates bill
• Accommodation supplement – a weekly payment to help cover rent, board, or the cost of owning a home

You can also contact Work and Income for help in paying urgent costs and living expenses such as:

• Food
• Heating and power bills
• House maintenance
• Bereavement
• Car repairs
• Fire or theft
• Health and disability

Websites of interest

• For more information on extra financial assistance, visit Work and Income
• If you have a loan and are experiencing financial hardship, you can talk to your bank about how they can help
• The Commerce Commission has information on what to do if you are struggling with debt
• If you need help managing your finances, visit Sorted