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Work homepage
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Overview
We can help you get ready to apply and find the right job for you. We can even help you while you're working.
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Get ready to work
You can get training, help with CVs and cover letters, and advice for job interviews.
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Find jobs
Find out what jobs are available, which job is best for you and how you can plan your career.
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Working
Whether you've just started a job or need some help at work, we've got your back.
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Lost your job
We'll help you get ready to find a new job and support you while you're between jobs.
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Start your own business
Get help to plan and set up a successful business or be a self-employed contractor.
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Benefits and payments homepage
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Overview
Take a look at the range of benefits and payments we have available.
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Not working
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You’ve had a relationship break-up, family breakdown or violent relationship end
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Seniors
Travelling overseas, how to apply, payment rates and dates, overseas pensions, income and other info for Seniors
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Caring
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Children
Childcare, school uniforms, stationery, having a baby and other costs if you have children
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Moving to New Zealand
Payments you can get from us, settling into NZ, overseas pensions and more.
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Benefits and forms
A-Z list of benefits, forms, benefit rates
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On a benefit homepage
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Overview
Check out what you need to do when you're getting a benefit or other payment from us.
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Something's changed
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Change in your childcare situation, continue childcare payments, cohort entry schools and other childcare information
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Going overseas
Travelling or moving overseas may affect your payments.
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Housing homepage
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Overview
Find out how we can help you with housing.
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Nowhere to stay
Get help if you have nowhere to stay right now.
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Find a house
Find out where to look for private housing, or apply for public (social) housing.
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Living in your home
Get help with accommodation costs, and advice on any housing issues and public housing tenancies.
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Moving house
Find out how we can help if you’re moving house.
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Other languages
Read some of our housing information in other languages.
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Relocate for Work Support
We may be able to help with travel and moving costs if you're relocating for a new job.
You must apply for this payment before you move for your new job.
You need to meet the criteria below for:
- yourself, and
- your new job.
Criteria for yourself
You must:
- be getting a main benefit (e.g. Jobseeker Support)
- agree to cancel your main benefit from when you start your new job
- be aged either:
- 18-64 years old, or
- 65 or older and don't qualify for NZ Super or Veteran's Pension
- be likely to need a main benefit for a long time if you don't get this job
- have organised a new place to live near your new job that's suitable for you and your family
- have been unable to get a job in your current location
- have not received any other payments from us for relocating for the same job, and
- have applied for this payment before moving for your new job.
We'll also look at:
- any cash assets you or your partner have
- whether you or your partner have been paid 'Relocate for Work Support' or '$5k to Work' in the last 52 weeks.
Criteria for your new job
You must have accepted an offer for a job in New Zealand, which must:
- be either:
- 30 hours or more a week, or
- less than 30 hours a week if your pay is at least the same as 30 hours a week at minimum wage, or
- 20 hours a week if you're a sole parent and you only have part-time work obligations
- pay at least minimum wage
- be permanent, or fixed term, for at least 12 months
- be too far away to commute from where you live now, and
- be suitable for your skills, abilities and situation.
Relocate for Work can help to pay towards:
- travel expenses, and
- the cost of moving your possessions, if needed. For example, you need to hire a truck or trailer because you can't fit them in your car.
Travel expenses
The maximum amount you can get depends on the method of transport and how many people in your family are moving.
- If you're travelling by land, and air or sea, you will only get the amount for air or sea.
- If you're travelling by one method and your family is travelling by another, you will only get the amount for air or sea.
Method of travel |
Single with no dependent children |
A couple with no dependent children |
A couple or sole parent with at least 1 dependent child |
Land (e.g. bus, car, train) | $250 | $350 | $500 |
Air or sea (e.g. flights or ferries) | $500 | $1,000 | $1,500 |
Moving your possessions
You can only get this cost if you need it. The maximum amount you can get depends on how far you're moving and how many people in your family are moving.
How far you're moving |
Single with no dependent children |
A couple with no dependent children |
A couple or sole parent with at least 1 dependent child |
299km or less | $500 | $1,000 | $2,000 |
300km - 499km | $1,000 | $1,500 | $2,500 |
500km or more | $1,500 | $2,000 | $3,500 |
Step 1 - Complete the application form
You need to complete the PDF application form.
You can download and print it. If you can't print it, you can call us to get one posted to you, or you can pick up one from our service centres.
Alternatively, you can arrive early for your appointment (see step 3) to complete the form in the service centre.
Step 2 - Gather your documents
You need to bring to your appointment:
- proof of your new job offer, with the start date, number of hours, and duration of the contract
- proof of what you did to try find work in your current area, e.g. job applications submitted or rejection letters, and
- proof you have new accommodation arranged, e.g. a tenancy agreement or confirmation from family or friends you'll be staying with them.
Step 3 - Call us to book an appointment
Call us on 0800 559 009 to book an appointment at your local service centre.
We’ll usually grant or decline your application at your appointment.
If your application's approved, we'll pay the money into your bank account.
You may need to pay the money back if one of these things happens (unless there's a good reason):
- you don't use the money for what it's intended for
- you don't relocate within 28 days of getting the payment, or
- you re-apply for a main benefit or Student Allowance within 6 months (182 days) of the date you're due to start your new job.