How to apply online for financial assistance
Save time - complete your application form and book your appointment online (for some appointment types) before you meet with us.
Are you in Canterbury?
If you live in Canterbury we've set up a slightly different process for applying for financial assistance. See:
If you're aged 16 to 64, and a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, you can apply for most benefits with this form. If this isn’t you, please contact us about applying.
Get your assistance as soon as possible by submitting your application now. We may be able to grant you assistance from when you first contact us or from when you submit your application, whichever comes first.
If you think you may have delays in submitting your application form, contact us now if you haven't already done so. This is so we can grant you the assistance you're entitled to as soon as possible.
Are you a war veteran? You may be entitled to special benefits or pensions.
If you would like to see a specific case manager you need to book your appointment by calling us on 0800 559 009 and letting us know who you want to see.
Before you begin
You'll need the following information at hand. If you have a partner, they'll also need to answer some questions and have this information handy:
- IRD number (contact Inland Revenue if you don't have it)
- bank account numbers
- last pay slip (this will show your holiday pay)
- income details for the last 52 weeks
- details of your housing costs
- details of any assets you own which could earn income
- details of any debts that you have (including hire purchases).
If you are only applying for Working for families you will need to print out your application. If you don't have access to a printer contact us
Browser issues
Sometimes you can experience problems with the online application because of the browser you are using. Please read:
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:
You don’t have to complete the application in one sitting. You can save your application, then log out. When you log back in, you’ll be taken to your last saved page. Partially completed applications will be saved for 60 days.
If you stay on the same screen for more than 15 minutes, you'll be automatically logged out of the application. When you log back in, you’ll be taken to your last saved page.
