Work and Income New Zealand (often called WINZ, part of the Ministry of Social Development / MSD) provides income support, employment services, and hardship assistance to New Zealanders. The system can be confusing to navigate — this guide explains what’s available, how to apply, and what to expect.
Work and Income provides income support (Jobseeker, NZ Super, Sole Parent Support, Supported Living Payment), hardship assistance (food grants, emergency housing), employment services, and supplementary payments (Accommodation Supplement, Disability Allowance, Winter Energy Payment). Apply at workandincome.govt.nz or in person at a WINZ service centre. You do not need to be unemployed to receive some payments.
What Work and Income Pays
Main income support payments
| Benefit | Who qualifies | Weekly rate (2026, after tax) |
|---|---|---|
| Jobseeker Support | Unemployed people actively seeking work; or people unable to work due to illness/injury | $290 – $412 (single); $486 (couple) |
| Sole Parent Support | Single parents caring for a child under 14 | $424 – $450 |
| Supported Living Payment | People unable to work due to serious disability, illness, or injury | $387 – $450 |
| NZ Super | NZ residents aged 65+ who meet residency test | $479 – $520 (single); $800 (couple combined) |
| Youth Payment / Young Parent Payment | 16–19 year olds without income or parental support | ~$218 – $313 |
Rates change annually (usually in April). Check workandincome.govt.nz for the most current rates.
Supplementary payments (can receive in addition to main benefits or when working)
| Payment | What it covers | Max weekly rate |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation Supplement | Help with rent, board, or mortgage | Up to $305 (Zone 1 — Auckland) |
| Disability Allowance | Ongoing costs of disability or health condition | Up to $89.51 |
| Temporary Additional Support (TAS) | Gap between income and essential costs | Varies — assessed individually |
| Winter Energy Payment | Power/heating subsidy during winter | $20.46 – $31.82 |
| Childcare Subsidy | Help with early childhood education fees | Up to $6/hour per child |
| Special Needs Grant | One-off emergency assistance | Case by case |
| Funeral Grant | Help with funeral costs for those on benefits | Up to $2,316 |
How to Apply
Online
Visit workandincome.govt.nz and click “Apply for a benefit” — you’ll be taken through an eligibility checker and online application.
In person
Find your nearest Work and Income service centre at workandincome.govt.nz/contact-us. Bring:
- Proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or driver licence)
- IRD number
- Bank account details
- Evidence of income (payslips, bank statements)
- Evidence of housing costs (lease agreement, mortgage statement)
- Evidence of any other income (investments, rental, overseas pension)
By phone
0800 559 009 — Monday to Friday 7am–6pm, Saturday 8am–1pm
What Happens After You Apply
- Application lodged — you’ll receive a case number
- Verification — Work and Income checks your identity, income, assets, and residency
- Assessment — a case manager assesses your eligibility
- Decision — typically within 5–10 working days; complex cases may take longer
- First payment — if approved, you may receive backdated payment to the date of application
While waiting for approval, you can request an emergency benefit advance if you have no income.
Obligations When Receiving a Benefit
Most benefit recipients have obligations — failing to meet them can result in sanctions (temporary reduction in benefit payments).
| Benefit | Common obligations |
|---|---|
| Jobseeker Support (work-ready) | Actively seeking work; attending appointments; accepting suitable job offers |
| Jobseeker Support (medical) | Attending medical assessments; following treatment recommendations |
| Sole Parent Support | When youngest child turns 3: 15 hours work/training; age 5: full-time obligation |
| Youth Payment | Budgeting service participation; education or training engagement |
You have the right to ask for an obligation to be changed if it creates genuine hardship or is unreasonable.
Your Rights as a WINZ Client
- Right to apply: WINZ cannot stop you from applying for a benefit — they must process your application
- Right to a review: If your application is declined or your payment is reduced, you can ask for an internal review and then appeal to the Social Security Appeal Authority
- Right to have someone with you: You can bring a support person, advocate, or lawyer to any meeting
- Right to privacy: Your information can only be shared under specific circumstances
- Right to information: You can ask WINZ what information they hold on you and why decisions were made
Free advocacy services: Community Law Centres and Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) provide free assistance with WINZ disputes.
Hardship Assistance — If You Have an Urgent Need
Even if you don’t qualify for a main benefit, Work and Income can provide emergency assistance:
| Type | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Special Needs Grant (SNG) | Food, essential clothing, power reconnection, urgent costs — does not need to be repaid |
| Recoverable Assistance Payment (RAP) | Larger one-off costs — must be repaid from future income |
| Emergency Housing Special Needs Grant | Temporary accommodation (motels) while seeking housing |
| Food Grant | Immediate food assistance — available without being on a main benefit |
To access hardship assistance, call 0800 559 009 or visit a service centre. You don’t need to be on a benefit to apply for a Special Needs Grant.
Asset and Income Test
Many Work and Income payments are income and/or asset tested:
| You can have (approximately) | Condition |
|---|---|
| Cash/savings up to $8,100 (single) or $16,200 (couple) | Liquid assets test for Jobseeker Support |
| A car valued up to ~$5,000 | Exempt from asset test |
| Owner-occupied home | Exempt from asset test for most benefits |
| KiwiSaver | Generally exempt from asset test |
Assets above the threshold mean you must first spend down savings before receiving the full benefit rate.
Working While on a Benefit
You can work and still receive some benefit support:
| Benefit | Income abatement (how fast benefit reduces) |
|---|---|
| Jobseeker Support | Benefit reduces by 70 cents for every $1 earned over $160/week |
| Sole Parent Support | Benefit reduces by 70 cents for every $1 earned over $160/week |
| NZ Super | No income test — you can work while receiving NZ Super |
| Supported Living Payment | Benefit reduces at 70 cents in the dollar above $160/week |
Inform Work and Income of any changes in your income immediately — failing to do so can result in an overpayment debt.