Sickness Benefit
A weekly payment which helps people who are willing to work, however, aren’t currently working, or are working less hours, because they are sick, injured, disabled or pregnant.
Who can get it
You may get the Sickness Benefit if, because you are sick, injured, disabled or pregnant, you:
- have had to reduce your hours
- have had to stop working
- are not working, or are working part-time, and find it hard to look for and do full-time work.
You will need to give us a Work Capacity Medical Certificate or another medical certificate which provides the same information.
You must be 18 years old or over (or 16-17 if you are married or in a civil union or a de facto relationship and have one or more children you support).
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.
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 appropriate 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 Sickness 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.
Once you’re on the benefit
Getting back to work
Many people on Sickness Benefit want to work and have the capacity to do so part-time work. Research shows recovery from illness or accident is generally faster and more successful if people can work while they’re recovering.
From May 2011, if your doctor (or a registered medical practitioner) thinks you’re capable of working at least 15 hours a week, you have to look for a suitable part-time job.
