extra financial assistance for NEET
most extra financial assistance is income tested and some is also asset tested.
depending on the young person's circumstances and what the need is, e.g. gains full-time employment and now needs to pay board, they may be eligible for extra financial assistance.
accommodation supplement
Accommodation Supplement is a weekly payment which helps young people with their rent, board or the cost of owning a home.
who can get it
The young person must:
- have accommodation costs
- are aged 16 years or more
- are a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident
- normally live in New Zealand and intend to stay here
- are not paying rent for a social housing property
it also depends on:
- how much the young person earns
- how much money or assets the young person has
how to apply
For more information on the accommodation supplement and how to apply, click here.
disability allowance
Disability Allowance is a weekly payment for young people who have regular, ongoing costs because of a disability, such as visits to the doctor or hospital, medicines, extra clothing or travel.
The young person doesn't have to be on a benefit to qualify for a Disability Allowance.
who can get it
The young person must:
- have a disability that is likely to last at least 6 months
- have regular, ongoing costs because of their disability that is not fully covered by another agency
- are a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident
- normally live in New Zealand and intend to stay here
it also depends on:
- how much the young person earns
a parent (or principal caregiver) can apply
If the young person is financially dependent on their parent (or a principal caregiver), their parent can apply and may get both Disability Allowance and the Childcare Disability Allowance.
how to apply
The information provided here is only a guide. For more information about the Disability Allowance, click here.
childcare
If the young person did not qualify for YPP, e.g. parental income is too high, and/or they opted to participate in the NEET programme instead and they have a child/ren who may need looking after, we may be able to help pay for childcare.
most commonly applied for childcare assistance
Depending on what the young person's circumstances are, e.g. starts education or gains employment, they may qualify for one of the following childcare assistance payments. The young person can check what they might get and how to apply:
need more information
Click here if you need more information about childcare.
urgent or unexpected costs
If the young person is struggling to meet their living costs, or get an unexpected bill, we might be able to help them, even if they started working.
what we can help you with
- Food
- Accommodation costs (rent, mortgage, board)
- Power, gas and water bills or heating
- COVID-19 Vaccinations
- Dental treatment
- Glasses
- Whiteware (eg, fridge, freezer, washing machine)
- Medical costs
- Home repairs and maintenance
- Car repairs
- Bereavement
- Fire or theft
another cost
If the young person has 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 the young person a one-off payment. What payment they may be able to get depends on their circumstances, and what cost they have.
need help
Each payment covers lots of different costs. If the young person gets stuck, get them to give us a call on 0800 559 009 and talk with us about their situation.