Help with accommodation costs
The Accommodation Supplement can help with the cost of renting, boarding or owning a home.
General Accommodation Supplement criteria
You may be able to get help with accommodation costs if you are:- on a low income or
- getting the Unemployment Benefit Student Hardship (UBSH) or another benefit (not the Student Allowance).
Your income, assets and accommodation costs are also counted when we look at whether you qualify for the Accommodation Supplement. There are different limits depending on whether you're on a main benefit or you're only applying for extra help.
If you have a partner, they may be able to get their own Accommodation Supplement if they're not a student and you qualify for the Student Allowance.
To qualify (when you’re not on a main benefit) your yearly income before tax must be under these limits:
| If you are: | If you live in Northern or Central Auckland | If you live in Central Wellington, other Auckland areas* | If you live in Dunedin, Christchurch, Palmerston North, Hamilton, other Wellington areas* | Rest of New Zealand |
| Under 18 years old with no children | $48,048 | $38,688 | $31,408 | $27,248 |
| 18 years old or over with no children | $48,048 | $38, 688 | $31,408 | $27,248 |
| Married, civil union or defacto couple with no children |
$60,268 | $52,988 | $42,588 | $38,428 |
| Single with 1 child | $57,044 | $49,764 | $39,364 | $35,204 |
| Single with 2+ children | $70,564 | $58,084 | $48,724 | $39,364 |
| Married or civil union couple with children |
$73,788 | $61,308 | $51,948 | $42,588 |
* These rates also apply to other main cities and areas. Call us on 0800 88 99 00 if you need further information.
To quality your assets must be under the top limit...
| If you are: | Your top limit is: |
| Single | $8,100 |
| In a Recognised relationship or a single parent | $16,200 |
To qualify your weekly accommodation costs must be at least...
| If you are: | Your rent or 62% of your board must be over: | If you own a home, your costs must be over: |
| Single with no children | $46 | $55 |
| Married, civil union or de facto couple with no children |
$77 | $92 |
| Single with 1 child | $86 | $104 |
| Single with 2 or more children | $86 | $104 |
| Married or civil union couple with children | $97 | $117 |
If you have a partner
If you have a partner, they may be able to get their own Accommodation Supplement if they're not a student and you qualify for the Student Allowance.
Your income, assets and accommodation costs are also counted when we look at whether you qualify for the Accommodation Supplement.
There are different limits depending on whether you're on a main benefit or you're only applying for extra help.
Situations where you won't be able to get the Accommodation Supplement
You won't get the Accommodation Supplement if you:- get the Student Allowance - you may qualify for the Accommodation Benefit instead or
- don't get the Student Allowance because your income or your parents' income is too high or
- rent a property owned or managed by Housing New Zealand - you may qualify for income-related rent instead (contact your local Housing New Zealand Neighbourhood Unit for more details. You'll find their number in your phone book.