Financial Assistance in a Civil Defence Emergency
Information about the financial assistance you and your family may be able to get if you are affected by a Civil Defence Emergency.
Civil Defence Payments
These payments are to meet the immediate needs of people who are required to leave their home as a result of a Civil Defence Emergency. The payments may be granted to meet billeting costs and other urgent needs, such as food and essential supplies.
Special Needs Grants
This payment can help with urgent things that you really don’t have any other way to pay for, like food, bedding and emergency dental or medical care. You wont usually have to pay this back. There are conditions, so talk with us if you’d like to know more.
Recoverable Assistance Payments
This is for people not already receiving a Work and Income benefit. If you need something but can’t afford to pay for it right now, (like appliances, rent or school uniforms) you may be able to get this assistance. You need to pay it back and there are other conditions.
Emergency Benefit
If you’re in an emergency situation, don’t qualify for another type of benefit and are unable to earn enough to support yourself and your family, you may be able to get an Emergency Benefit.
Other Assistance
Work and Income also administers a range of other assistance, eg Unemployment Benefit, Sickness Benefit, Domestic Purposes Benefit, Working for Families assistance and Temporary Additional Support. Everyone’s situation is different, so what you may qualify for depends on your situation.
You can contact us if you:
- would like assistance
- aren’t sure if you can get assistance
- are struggling to support yourself or your family
- would like more information.
