Relocate for Work Support

You need to meet the criteria below for:

• yourself, and
• your new job.

Criteria for yourself

You must:

• be getting a main benefit (e.g. Jobseeker Support)
• agree to cancel your main benefit from when you start your new job
• be aged either:
  • 8-64 years old, or
  • 65 or older and don't qualify for NZ Super or Veteran's Pension
• be likely to need a main benefit for a long time if you don't get this job
• have organised a new place to live near your new job that's suitable for you and your family
• have been unable to get a job in your current location
• have not received any other payments from us for relocating for the same job, and
• have applied for this payment before moving for your new job.

We'll also look at:

• any cash assets you or your partner have
• whether you or your partner have been paid 'Relocate for Work Support' or '$5k to Work' in the last 52 weeks.

Criteria for your new job

You must have accepted an offer for a job in New Zealand, which must:

• be either:
  • 30 hours or more a week, or
  • less than 30 hours a week if your pay is at least the same as 30 hours a week at minimum wage, or
  • 20 hours a week if you're a sole parent and you only have part-time work obligations
• pay at least minimum wage
• be permanent, or fixed term, for at least 12 months
• be too far away to commute from where you live now, and
• be suitable for your skills, abilities and situation.

Relocate for Work can help to pay towards:

• travel expenses, and
• the cost of moving your possessions, if needed. For example, you need to hire a truck or trailer because you can't fit them in your car.

Travel expenses

The maximum amount you can get depends on the method of transport and how many people in your family are moving.

• If you're travelling by land, and air or sea, you will only get the amount for air or sea.
• If you're travelling by one method and your family is travelling by another, you will only get the amount for air or sea.

Moving your possessions

You can only get this cost if you need it. The maximum amount you can get depends on how far you're moving and how many people in your family are moving.

Step 1 - Complete the application form

You need to complete the PDF application form.

You can download and print it. If you can't print it, you can call us to get one posted to you, or you can pick up one from our service centres.

Alternatively, you can arrive early for your appointment (see step 3) to complete the form in the service centre.

Step 2 - Gather your documents

You need to bring to your appointment:

• proof of your new job offer, with the start date, number of hours, and duration of the contract
• proof of what you did to try find work in your current area, e.g. job applications submitted or rejection letters, and
• proof you have new accommodation arranged, e.g. a tenancy agreement or confirmation from family or friends you'll be staying with them.

Step 3 - Call us to book an appointment

Call us on 0800 559 009 to book an appointment at your local service centre.

We’ll usually grant or decline your application at your appointment.

If your application's approved, we'll pay the money into your bank account.

You may need to pay the money back if one of these things happens (unless there's a good reason):

• you don't use the money for what it's intended for
• you don't relocate within 28 days of getting the payment, or
• you re-apply for a main benefit or Student Allowance within 6 months (182 days) of the date you're due to start your new job.