Help for tenants

You don't have to be on a benefit to get help. You may also be eligible if you're on a low income.

The support you get will depend on your circumstances, income and assets.

Ongoing help with rent

If you need help to pay your rent or board, you may be able to get a regular payment called Accommodation Supplement. It's not available to people in public housing.

If you need further help to cover your rent or other essential living costs, you may also be able to get Temporary Additional Support. It can be paid for up to 13 weeks at a time.

Paying overdue accommodation costs

If you're behind with accommodation costs (e.g. rent or board), act early. Talk with your accommodation supplier about a plan to pay your overdue costs. If this isn't possible, we may be able to help so you don't lose your home.

You may be able to get an Accommodation Costs Arrears Grant. You'll need to pay this money back.

Bond and accommodation security cover

What we can help with depends on if you're entering a tenancy that the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) applies to. For example, when you have a tenancy agreement.

Entering a tenancy the RTA applies to

If your landlord asks for a bond and you don't have enough money to pay for this, you may be able to get a Bond Grant.

Entering a tenancy the RTA does not apply to

We may be able to assure your accommodation supplier that any costs you have when you leave will be paid for. This is called an Accommodation Security Cover Grant.

Moving house

A Moving Costs Grant can help with things like trailer or truck hire. It can also be used for movers, if you cannot help with the move yourself, for example because of age, illness or disability.

You'll need to pay this money back.

Help getting a rental property

If you're looking for a place to live but it's hard to find one because of your personal situation, we may be able to help by giving you a Tenancy Costs
Cover letter that can be given to a landlord.

How to apply

You can apply in person or by phone.

Before you apply, you'll need to gather some documents, including:

• proof of who you are
• income and assets details
• proof of the expenses you have (like moving costs or overdue rent)
• your tenancy agreement.

Apply in person

Visit your local Work and Income service centre. It's best to make an appointment first. You can find our sites at www.workandincome.govt.nz/findus 

Apply over the phone

To apply over the phone, you can call us from 7am to 6pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 1pm on Saturdays. You can ask for an interpreter when you call.

Call us on:

• 0800 559 009 Working age
• 0800 552 002 Seniors
• 0800 88 99 00 Students

People getting Youth Payment or Young Parent Payment please contact your Youth Coach directly.

If you're deaf, hearing-impaired or find it hard to communicate by phone, you can:

• text: 029 286 7170
• email: MSD_Deaf_Services@msd.govt.nz 
• use NZ Relay Services: www.nzrelay.co.nz 

For more information

Go to www.workandincome.govt.nz/housing 

You can also check what you might get online at https://check.msd.govt.nz