Power, gas, water bills or heating

You could find yourself in a situation where you have an outstanding power, gas or water bill that you can't pay. You need to talk to the power or water company first to see if you can make a payment arrangement with them.

If this is not possible, we may be able to 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 and asset limits usually apply:

Current income limits

If you are:	Weekly income before tax is less than
Single and 16 to 17 years old	$783.91
Single and 18 years old or over	$900.93
Couple (with or without children)	$1,308.60
Sole parent with 1 child	$1,093.25
Sole parent with 2 or more children	$1,151.80

Asset limits

These don't include what you need for day-to-day living, e.g. your home, car, and some payments after a severe weather event. They do include things like money in the bank, or a second property.

If you are:	Your assets are worth less than
Single	$1,279.35
Couple (with or without children) or sole parent	$2,131.73

Generally, we can pay up to $200 to help with:

• an outstanding power, gas or water bill
• reconnecting your electricity, gas or water supply.

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Help to keep your family warm

We may be able to help you with the cost of bedding, blankets, curtains or heaters, depending on your circumstances. It may be that:

• your children are unwell
• you can't keep warm in your home
• there is wear and tear to your bedding because of long-term sickness or disability in the family
• a new child has come into the family.

Call us to discuss your situation.

Use MyMSD to book a time for us to call you. MyMSD will tell you everything you need to know before talking with us.

If you have an urgent cost to pay within 24 hours, call us on 0800 559 009.