Invalid’s Benefit
Invalid’s Benefit is a weekly payment which helps people who are permanently and severely limited in how much work they can do. This is because they have an ongoing sickness, injury or disability.
Who can get it
You may get the Invalid’s Benefit if you are severely limited in your ability to work on a permanent basis. This is because you are sick, injured or disabled.
You may also get it if you are totally blind.
We will need to confirm your condition and how it affects your ability to work.
You must also:
- be 16 years old or over
- 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.
There may be some people applying for Invalid’s Benefit who have the capacity to work part time. If we think you’ll be able to work part-time in the next two years, then we’ll look at whether Sickness Benefit might be more appropriate for you. This will give you access to the support you need to return to work.
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
Medical Certificates
The medical certificate used for applying for Invalid’s Benefit helps us collect information about what you can do now and the types of work you might be able to undertake. It can also help us make sure you receive the right benefit for your circumstances.
Earnings
The amount you can earn before your Invalid’s Benefit is affected is:
- up to $100 a week before your benefit is reduced by 30 cents for every dollar earned
- up to $200 a week before your benefit is reduced by 70 cents for every dollar earned.
See:
