Independent Youth Benefit
Independent Youth Benefit is a weekly payment which helps 16 and 17 year-olds who can’t live with their parents and are not supported by them or anyone else.
Who can get it
You may get the Independent Youth Benefit if you:
- are 16 or 17 years old
- can’t live with your parents
- don’t get financial support from them or anyone else
- don’t have any dependent children.
You can only get this help if you are either:
- not working, but are actively looking for work and ready to start a job or training course
- not working, or are working less hours because you are sick, injured, disabled or pregnant
- a full-time trainee on an approved work-related course (usually less than 12 weeks)
- enrolled in, and regularly attending, secondary school.
You must also:
- be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident
- have lived in New Zealand for at least 2 years at any one time since becoming a New Zealand citizen or resident (unless you are a refugee).
You should also normally live in New Zealand and intend to stay here.
This information is a guide only. Contact us to talk about your individual circumstances.
Parent/caregiver involvement
When you apply for an Independent Youth Benefit we usually discuss your situation with your parents or caregivers. There are some circumstances when this won't happen, for example, if you are married.
Education & Training
We believe most young people are best to finish their education or be in training for a future work. When you meet with a case manager to discuss your application they will focus their conversations on encouraging you to return to education or training.
Are you eligible?
Find out if you might get this benefit, and what other financial assistance may be available to you.
If you don't want to complete the form online you can print out and complete the application form below.
If you can’t print the form out we’ll send an application form to you or you can complete it when you come in to see us.
We can grant you the financial assistance you’re entitled to from the date you first contact us if you complete your application within 20 working days of that date.
Contact us for more information
