School uniforms and stationery

You may be able to get help if you:

• are 16 or over (if you're 16-19 and have a Youth Service provider, contact Youth Services)
• are a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident
• normally live in New Zealand and intend to stay here
• have an immediate and essential need.

It also depends on:

• how much you and your partner earn
• any money or assets you and your partner have.

Your income will be assessed either weekly or yearly, depending on the kind of help you qualify for. These income limits usually apply:

Current income limits

Asset limits

These don't include what you need for day-to-day living, eg your home or your car. They do include things like money in the bank, or a second property.

How much you get depends on your situation.

Bring your own device

If you need help to buy computing equipment for your child to take to school, e.g. iPad, laptop or tablet, we may be able to help. You need to talk to the school first to see what options are available.

If you are a current client, you may be able to apply using MyMSD. MyMSD will tell you what information we need and if you need to talk with us.

Go to My MSD login

If you are a new client or can't use MyMSD, call us. We'll talk with you to understand your situation and how we can help, and let you know if you need to do anything else.

If your application's approved, we'll give you a payment card (if you don't already have one) and load the money onto it. We'll talk to you about how to get this to you.

You have 7 days to spend the money before it expires.

You can pay for school uniforms and stationery with your payment card at any store that accepts them (much like an EFTPOS card). You'll need to check with the store first to see if they accept them.

You can login to MyMSD to see how much you have left on your payment card and when it expires.

If your uniform or stationary supplier doesn't accept our payment card, we will organise a direct payment to them, and provide confirmation of payment for when you pick up the items. Make sure you get a reference number or quote from the supplier, and give this to us.

If you get Orphan's Benefit or Unsupported Child's Benefit, you may also be able to get a School and Year Start-up Payment. This helps with pre-school or school-related costs at the beginning of the year. It can pay for things like clothing, school fees and stationery and you don't have to pay it back.