The benefits
Explore the social security benefits we currently cover. More benefits will be added over time.
Benefits to come
Social Security Act benefits still to add:
- Child Disability Allowance
- Orphans and Unsupported Child
- Epidemic Payments
- Funeral Grants
- Supported Living Payment
- Winter Energy Payment
- Temporary Additional Support
- Childcare Assistance
- Youth Payment
- Young Parent Payment
Other benefits not included yet
Some other benefits that aren't included yet are:
- Superannuation
- Veterans payments
- Child Support Payments
- Family Tax
As a last resort, you can try applying for one of the discretionary benefits below.
Emergency Benefit
Rate and eligibility are at the discretion of the Ministry of Social Development (MSD)
If a person doesn’t qualify for any other benefits and is experiencing hardship, MSD may use discretion to grant an Emergency Benefit, with the amount also at the discretion of MSD.
More about Emergency Benefit on MSD site
Special Needs Grant
Rate and eligibility are at the discretion of MSD
A one-off payment to help with an essential or emergency expense that you can’t pay any other way.
More about Special Needs Grant on MSD site
Temporary Additional Support
Rate and eligibility are at the discretion of MSD
A weekly payment for when you don’t have enough from other sources (e.g. from income or other benefits) to cover your essential living costs. You don’t have to be on a benefit to qualify for this payment. Temporary Additional Support can be paid for up to 13 weeks. If you still need it after 13 weeks, you can re-apply.