Proposed changes to Accommodation Supplement for some homeowner costs
There are proposed changes to raise the minimum amount of accommodation costs some homeowners must be paying to be eligible for Accommodation Supplement. These would take effect from 1 April 2027.
To be eligible for Accommodation Supplement, you must be paying a minimum amount of accommodation costs each week – this is called an entry threshold. You can see the current entry thresholds here:
Proposed changes
From 1 April 2027 there are proposed changes which will raise the entry thresholds for some homeowners. This means the amount you must be paying will increase from 30 to 40 percent of the relevant base rate (an indicator of your income).
Who this will affect
This change will only affect people getting Accommodation Supplement for homeownership costs, such as a mortgage, house insurance and rates. It won’t affect people paying rent or board.
This change will not affect you or your partner if either of you get:
- NZ Super
- Veteran's Pension
- Supported Living Payment
- Emergency Benefit equivalent to Supported Living Payment.
The increased entry threshold will apply to all other homeowners who get the Accommodation Supplement.
These are proposed changes at this stage. They are subject to the passing of the Bill.
Find out more about these proposed changes on the Beehive website:
Targeting financial assistance to those most in need (Beehive.govt.nz)external