Apply online

This is a 9 digit number we issue you the first time you deal with us. This could be through Work and Income, StudyLink, Seniors or Youth Services. You'll need this anytime you contact us.

If you don't have a client number, or can't find it, you can request one by completing an online form. You'll need to tell us a few details like your name, date of birth, address and IRD number.

If you request a client number, we'll email or text one to you within 1-2 working days. If you fill in your IRD number, we can get back to you in a few hours.

After you get your client number, you'll need to apply in MyMSD.

MyMSD is our online service where you can apply and manage your information online.

Never used MyMSD

If you've never used MyMSD before, you'll need to register first. Enter your client number and date of birth, and follow the instructions to register.

Once you're in MyMSD, select 'Apply' to go to the online form. Some of your information will be automatically pre-filled, based off information you've already told us.

Used MyMSD before

Log in and select 'Apply' to go to the online form. Some of your information will be automatically pre-filled, based off information you've already told us.

Can't use MyMSD

If you can't use MyMSD, call us. We'll talk with you about the best way for you to apply. In most cases we'll need you to come in for a face-to-face appointment.

You complete the online application form in MyMSD. When filling out the form you'll need to provide a lot of information about you and your family, including:

• all income details for the last 52 weeks (eg wages, ACC, child support, dividends, rentals etc)
• anything that could earn you money in the next 52 weeks (e.g. rental income, dividends, ACC, child support, overseas payments)
• your expenses (e.g. housing, childcare, medical costs and hire purchase)
• IRD numbers
• bank account details
• a phone number we can contact you on.

If you or your partner were not born in New Zealand, you’ll need to tell us your or their:

• country of birth and the date left
• date arrived in NZ
• date citizenship or permanent residence was granted.

Saving your answers

• Your answers are saved as you go.
• You can save a partly completed form and come back to it later.

If the application times out

• If you stay on the same page for more than 5 minutes you’ll be logged out.
• When you log in to return to your form you’ll start from your last completed page.

Once you've submitted your application, you'll need to:

• read and agree to your obligations
• upload your documents
• get a medical certificate (if required).

Once you've submitted your online form, we’ll call you if there's anything else you need to do. This may include booking an appointment for you to come in and see us. If you have an appointment with us, please remember to bring your original government-issued ID so we can check it.

You need to complete this step if this is your first time applying for a benefit or ongoing payment. You need to bring your original government-issued identity (ID) document into a service centre so we can check it. Checking ID in person helps us make sure we give support to the right person and protect your identity.

You don't need an appointment. However, if you have one, you can bring it in with you then.

Examples of ID:

• passport
• driver licence or
• birth certificate.

If you can’t come in, or you don’t have government-issued ID, talk to us about ways we can help, call us.

If you have an agent acting on your behalf, they need to bring their own government-issued ID as well as yours.