Housing costs
If you need help to pay rent or other accommodation costs, or support to stay in your home, we may be able to help.
On-going costs of rent, board or owning a home
If you need help to pay your on-going costs of rent, board or the costs of owning a home, you may be able to get an Accommodation Supplement. You don't have to be on a benefit to get this payment.
If you live in public housing, you won't qualify for this payment.
Falling behind in accommodation costs
You may be worried you'll lose your housing because you owe accommodation costs, e.g. rent, board or cabin hire. If so, you may be able to get an Accommodation Costs Arrears Grant.
You need to talk to your accommodation supplier first, e.g. your landlord or head tenant. Check if you can make a payment arrangement with them.
If you can't make a payment arrangement, see if you qualify for an Accommodation Costs Arrears Grant.
Accommodation Costs Arrears Grant
Spending rent money on other bills
If you've had to spend your rent money on other bills, like food or power, we may be able to help with these bills. This is so you can still pay your rent.
Repairs and maintenance
Renting
If you're renting, it's the landlord’s responsibility to repair and maintain the house. So, if something breaks down or goes wrong, tell the landlord straight away.
Key rights and responsibilities (Tenancy)external
If you live in public housing, you can request maintenance and view maintenance jobs through MyKāingaOra. This is an online way for public housing tenants to check their accounts, rent balances, maintenance requests and much more.
Own your own home
If you're on a benefit and own your own home and need money for essential repairs or maintenance, we may be able to help.
Keeping your home warm
Help with heating costs
We may be able to help you with the costs of:
- an urgent power, gas, or water bill
- bedding
- blankets
- curtains
- heaters.
Power, gas, water bills or heating
Extra heating if you have a disability
If you have extra power, gas or heating costs because of your disability or health condition, we may be able to help you pay this as part of a Disability Allowance.
Costs to end your tenancy early, or sublet or assign your tenancy
If your landlord charges you costs to end your tenancy early, or to sublet or assign your tenancy to someone else, we may be able to help.
Your landlord must give you an itemised account of the actual costs, e.g:
- cost of advertising
- credit checks, or
- money to cover rent while another tenant is found.
We need to see this account.
If you're not on a benefit
You may be able to get a Recoverable Assistance Payment up to $200, or more in exceptional circumstances. You'll need to pay it back.
Recoverable Assistance Payment
If you're on a benefit
You may be able to get an Advance Payment of Benefit up to $200, or more in some circumstances. You'll need to pay it back.
Rates rebate
A rates rebate is a partial rebate for eligible, low-income ratepayers who pay rates on their home to the council. You need to apply to your local council for the rebate.
You'll need to provide proof of your income to your local council. If you're getting a benefit or payment from us, call us and ask for a rates rebate income statement.
Make your home accessible
If you need to make changes to your home because you or your child has a disability, you may be able to get House Modification Funding.
Support in your home
Parent or carer
If you're a parent or carer we may be able to help you with the cost of home help to complete household tasks or training in parenting skills.
Injury covered by ACC
If you've had an injury that ACC cover and you need help at home afterwards, ACC may be able to help.
Help at home after an injury (ACC)external
Support services
CCS Disability Action offers a broad range of support services for disabled people, family and whanau.
Home and Community Support Services (Ministry of Health)external
If you need support in your home, there are Home and Community Services funded by the Ministry of Health. They can help with both household management and personal care.
Nurse Maude provides nursing and home support services to more than 400,000 people.
Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) New Zealand is a leading provider of home-based healthcare solutions for people living in their own homes across the Southland, Otago and Auckland Districts.
Getting older
If you’re getting older, you may be finding it harder to cope on your own. There are support services that help you to stay in your home for as long as you can.