The New Zealand government supports individuals and families experiencing financial hardships, as they cannot support themselves or qualify for any government benefits through the Emergency Benefit. If you are facing such a situation, you can check the full details of the NZ Emergency benefit here.
The NZ Emergency Benefit is the last resort for people with no government assistance to manage their living. The Work and Income assesses emergency benefit applications and processes payments for eligible applicants.
Because it is an emergency payment, it is available for a short time, and the department reviews it regularly. The payment rate of the Emergency benefit can match the Jobseeker support depending on your circumstances.
What makes you eligible for the NZ Emergency Benefit?
You can apply for the NZ Emergency Benefit if you meet the following eligibility requirements:
- You are 16 or over, and you do not qualify for any other main government benefit to get assistance with financial hardships.
- The Emergency benefit is available in place of these benefits when you do not qualify for them, such as:
- Sole Parent Support
- Jobseeker Support
- New Zealand Superannuation
- Supported Living Payment.
- Your eligibility depends on your citizenship, whether you are a non-NZ citizen or a permanent resident, and on studying in New Zealand; or not having a residence class visa, you can get the Emergency benefit.
What are the payment rates of the NZ Emergency Benefit?
The payment rate of the NZ Emergency Benefit can vary depending on the rate of the main benefit that you may have received if you meet the eligibility conditions. Since the payment varies, you can check the payment rate based on the main benefit, for instance:
- If you applied for Jobseeker support to address student hardships and you did not meet the eligibility requirements, your emergency benefit will be the same as the payment rate of Jobseeker support.
- The payment rates for the Jobseeker Support, Student Hardships, and Emergency benefits are as follows:
| Situation | Payment Rate |
| Single; 16-17 | $314.72 (After tax)$356.01 (Before tax) |
| Single, 18-19 | Living with parents: $268.13 (After tax); $299.59 (Before tax)Living alone: $314.72 (After tax); $356.01 (before tax) |
| Single, 20-24 | $314.72 (After tax); $356.02 (Before tax) |
| Single, 25 or over | $361.32 (After tax); $412.51 (Before tax) |
| Single with children | $505.80 (After tax); $587.64 (Before tax) |
| Partner with children | For each: $324.61 (after tax), $368.01 (Before tax) |
| Partner with no children | For each: $307.42 (after tax), $347.18 (Before tax) |
The Work and Income offers a weekly emergency benefit to eligible applicants to support them. So, do check your payment rates based on your situation and the main benefit you couldn’t get.
What are the NZ Emergency Benefits obligations?
There are some obligations with the NZ Emergency Benefit that you should know as a recipient, otherwise your benefit can stop or be reduced:
- If there are some changes in your family situation and circumstances, you are obliged to inform the Work and Income department.
- If you have a dependent child in your care, you have social obligations to meet, such as if the child is enrolled in school, with a general practitioner, and others.
- If the authority agrees, you have an obligation to join and attend the Work Ability Assessment, or you may have to work with a contracted service provider.
- You may have to prepare for work and find employment to cover your expenses.
If, for any reason, you cannot meet the Emergency benefit obligations, you must inform the authority with proper reasoning; otherwise, it might affect your benefit payout.
How to apply for the NZ Emergency Benefits?
If you need emergency support from Work and Income due the financial hardships, you can apply for the benefit in the following ways:
- Phone: You can call the department at 0800-559-009 and ask the operator about the Emergency Benefit application, and complete your application.
- Physical Visit: You visit the local Ministry of Social Development Office and apply for the benefit.
- Online: You can visit the Jobseeker Support online portal if you do not qualify for one and apply for the Emergency benefit.
The NZ Emergency benefit is a boon for people going through financial struggles due to unemployment or unexpected circumstances, and when they can’t even access the government benefits. So, if you need support, apply for the emergency benefit after you are sure of your eligibility.
Disclaimer: New Zealand Emergency Benefit details are for general awareness only. Confirm eligibility and payment info with official NZ government sources.