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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. Please contact us to talk about your individual circumstances.

How much you can get

This depends on your current circumstances.

For more information

If you'd like more information please download our brochure:

For a full explanation of the Independent Youth Benefit, please go to our:

How to apply

You need to:

• complete an application form
• meet us to provide the necessary supporting documents.

If you can't complete the online application form, contact us about applying.

How long do I have to complete my application?

You have 20 working days from when you first contacted us (submitting your online application form counts as contacting us). You'll need to provide us with any supporting documentation required for your application within this time. If you don't do this, you may have to reapply.

If you can't complete your application within 20 working days for any reason, please contact us.