Currently working
While you’re working you may be able to get help with living, housing, health, or childcare costs. Most families with children can get Working for Families payments.
We can also offer career guidance or help you find a new job.
Help with housing, health and living expenses
We may be able to help you with your living expenses, health and housing costs.
Three out of four families with children can get Working for Families assistance such as:
- help with housing costs
- childcare assistance
- tax credits from Inland Revenue.
If you're struggling to support yourself or your family, please contact us. We can often help in some way. We may be able to give you assistance, advice, or refer you to another agency.
Help with your rent, board or the cost of owning a home.
Help with the cost of pre-school childcare.
Helps pay for before-school, after-school, and school holiday programmes through the Out of school care and recreation (OSCAR) subsidy.
A card that can help you and your family with the costs of health care. You'll pay less on some health services and prescriptions.
Assistance if you're a seasonal worker no longer getting a benefit and you've lost wages because of work missed due to bad weather.
There are a number of payments or advances that may help you get through a financial crisis.
Websites that may help
Assistance that recognises the cost of raising children and ensures that you’re better off in work. Three out of four families with children can get Working for Families assistance such as:
- help with housing costs
- childcare assistance.
- tax credits from Inland Revenue
Tax information and interactive services like calculators and returns.
Housing New Zealand may be able to provide you with an affordable rental home if you're on low to moderate income. They also help provide a range of home loans and home ownership services.
Help with developing your career or finding a new job
We can help you find another job or help you get the skills you need to develop your career or get a better job.
If you'd like career guidance please contact us.
We can help you find a job that’s right for you.
How to use our Find a Job website and tips for finding work.
Websites that may help
A good starting point for careers information, advice and guidance. Among other things, it lists the skills, knowledge and entry requirements you might need for a job.
Contact us
Everyone's situation is different. We're here to help if you need it.
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.

