Accommodation benefit
As part of the Student Allowance, you may be able to get an Accommodation Benefit if you live away from the parental home while you study, or have a partner and your combined income is less than $360 per week.
How much you can get
The Accommodation Benefit rates are set amounts which are non-taxable. The rate you will get is based on the region your education provider is located (if you attend classes), or the region you are living in (if you are studying extramurally). If you live in a hostel, how much you get may depend on the hostel you live in.Here are some examples of what you may get each week until 31 December 2007:
| If you live in | If you're single with a child you'll get | Otherwise you'll get |
| Auckland | $60.00 | $40.00 |
| Hamilton | $47.00 | $31.50 |
| Palmerston North | $36.50 | $24.50 |
| Wellington | $60.00 | $40.00 |
| Christchurch | $51.00 | $34.00 |
| Dunedin | $47.50 | $32.00 |
Here are some examples of what you may get each week from 1 January 2008:
| If you live in | If you're single with a child you will get | Otherwise you'll get |
| Auckland | $60.00 | $40.00 |
| Hamilton | $51.50 | $34.50 |
| Palmerston North | $41.50 | $28.00 |
| Wellington | $60.00 | $40.00 |
| Christchurch | $56.00 | $37.50 |
| Dunedin | $48.00 | $32.00 |
Accommodation Benefit rates are reviewed on 1 January each year.
You can only get the Accommodation Benefit if you qualify for Student Allowance.
How to get the Accommodation Benefit
You don't need to apply for the Accommodation Benefit. If you are eligible, this will be applied at the same time as we process your Student Allowance application.Situations where you can't get the Accommodation Benefit
You won't get an Accommodation Benefit if you (or your partner) rent a property owned or managed by Housing New Zealand Corporation.You may qualify for income-related rent instead. For more details contact your local Housing New Zealand Neighbourhood Unit. You'll find their number in your phone book.