Urgent or unexpected costs
If you're struggling to meet your living costs, or get an unexpected bill, we might be able to help you, even if you're working.
What we can help you with
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Get help to stay in your home.
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Get help to pay for funeral or tangi expenses.
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Get help to repair your car.
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Get help to pay for immediate or essential dental treatment.
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Get help after a fire or theft.
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Get help to pay for food.
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Get help to pay for eye tests and glasses.
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Get help with essential home repairs and maintenance.
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Get help if you have a health condition or disability.
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Get help with costs if you're moving house.
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Get help to pay an urgent power, gas or water bill, heating costs, or a water tank refill.
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Get help to buy or repair whiteware.
Other urgent or unexpected costs
If you have a cost that's urgent or unexpected and not listed here, eg, clothing or bedding, we may still be able to help.
We may be able to give you a one-off payment. What payment you may be able to get depends on if you're getting a benefit or not, and what cost you have.
If you're already getting a benefit
You may be able to get either Special Needs Grant or Advance Payment of Benefit.
Each payment covers lots of different costs. If you get stuck, give us a call on 0800 559 009 and talk with us about your situation.
If you're not getting a benefit
You may be able to get either:
- Special Needs Grant or
- Recoverable Assistance Payment.
Recoverable Assistance Payment
Each payment covers lots of different costs. If you get stuck, give us a call on 0800 559 009 and talk with us about your situation.