Housing costs

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

From 4 September 2023, the Temporary Accommodation Assistance will be available. It's to help some homeowners who can't live in their home due to the North Island weather events. Their insurance cover for rental accommodation also needs to be ending soon.

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.

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.

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.

Support services

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.