Canterbury Clients applying for financial assistance
Most people applying for a benefit using our on-line application will be prompted to either call the 0800 General Enquires number to arrange an appointment or you are given the option to make the appointment yourself on-line.
For people living in Canterbury (this includes Ashburton, Rangiora and Kaiapoi) who have been made redundant or have had to close their business (self-employed people only) and who are applying for a benefit we are currently doing things differently. We will be identifying applications submitted from Canterbury and will be processing the applications centrally – in most cases an appointment will not be required.
However, If you are applying for Unemployment Benefit - Student Hardship you need to apply through the StudyLink website
To ensure that you get the help you need, please do not follow the prompted instructions at the end of the application; instead the prompts below will apply.
If the online application indicates you may be able to get the following:
| Unemployment Benefit |
You do not need to attend an appointment. We will process your application and email you confirmation of your benefit payments shortly. |
|---|---|
|
Sickness Benefit |
In addition to completing the application form you will need to provide Work and Income with a current medical certificate completed by a health practitioner. The medical certificate can be dropped off at a service centre and you do not need to attend an appointment. |
|
Working for Families |
You do not need to attend an appointment or send anything in. We will process your application and email you confirmation of your benefit payments shortly. |
|
Domestic Purposes Benefit and other benefits |
You need to come in for an appointment. Once you have completed the application phone the Contact Centre on 0800 559 009 to book. |
Your obligations/Disclaimer
You need to tell us about any change in your personal circumstances such as changes to:
- your income
- your accommodation costs
- your home or family situation – such as entering into a relationship or having children
- your work situation – such as getting a job or a change in the number of hours you work
- starting or finishing study
- your address, bank account or name
- any pension you receive – such as being granted an overseas pension
- costs that you get extra help for.
You will also need to tell us if you:
- go overseas
- go into or leave hospital
- are imprisoned or held in custody on remand.
If you don't tell us of any changes right away you may be overpaid and will be asked to pay back any overpayment. If you deliberately don't tell us, or you tell us something that is not true, you may be prosecuted and/or fined.
By submitting the online application you are confirming that everything you tell us in the application is true and correct.
If you need help with your online application Contact us - please say "Online help" when you are asked to say why you are calling.
Or you can email us at OnlineSupport@WorkandIncome.govt.nz
