Repaying debt while getting a benefit or pension

If you're getting a main benefit, NZ Super, Veteran's Pension or Accommodation Supplement, we'll work with you on a repayment plan that suits you. You can also set up a separate repayment arrangement if you want to.

Go to the page 'Your debt with us' if you want information about:

  • how to get a breakdown of your debt
  • what to do if you don't agree with your debt
  • support for managing your debt

Debt repayment information

If you're not getting a main benefit, NZ Super, Veteran's Pension or Accommodation Supplement, there's a different process for your debt repayments.

What we mean by 'main benefit'
Repaying debt when not getting a benefit or pension from us

We'll set up a repayment amount depending on your circumstances. We want to make sure this is affordable for you.

When deciding how much your repayments should be, you'll need to think of things like:

  • your budget
  • your upcoming expenses
  • any other debts you may have
  • how long you want to be repaying the money.

Call us on 0800 559 009 to:

  • discuss debt repayments
  • set up a time to talk to your case manager, if you want to
  • talk to us about any questions you have about your debt.

Call us on 0800 559 009 to set up debt repayments. We'll set these up so they come out of your benefit, pension or Accommodation Supplement. 

If you want to pay the debt off faster you can make extra repayments at any time.

You can also set up a separate repayment arrangement via internet or telephone banking if you want to.

If you're getting a Student Allowance, you need to contact StudyLink.

Set up repayment via internet or telephone banking

You can make a one-off payment or set up regular payments using internet or telephone banking. Your bank may charge you for these services.

Account number

To set up the payments you'll need the account number: 03-0049-0006243-025. If your bank only needs a 2 digit suffix, use 25 instead of 025.

Once you enter the account number, your bank may match it to the account name it uses for us. If your bank doesn't match it, you can use the account name 'Work and Income Debt Management'.

Reference

In the reference field, you need to put the letter 'S', followed by your 9 digit client number.

If you owe us money and your benefit, pension or Accommodation Supplement is about to stop, you need to call us on 0800 559 009 to:

  • let us know when your payment needs to stop
  • arrange an exit interview with us where we can discuss your repayment options.

You'll be able to pay your debt off either:

  • in a lump sum, or
  • each week at an amount you can afford.

If you're going into full-time work

If you’re going into full-time work and can get Assistance to Transition into Employment, you may be able to stop repaying your debt for 3 months. This is called a 3 month debt recovery suspension. This is to help you pay for work related costs.

Talk to us at your exit interview about whether you qualify for this payment.

Related

Your debt with us