Assistance into employment

Assistance to transition into employment (before 1 July 2014 called Transition to Work Grant) is a payment that can help with costs when you're starting work or going to a job interview, eg buying work clothes or paying for travel.

  • Who can get it

    You may get the Assistance to transition into employment payment if you either:

    • are a New Zealand citizen
    • are ordinarily resident in New Zealand and either:
      • hold a residence class visa
      • are a refugee or protected person, or
      • hold a temporary entry visa that lets you work in New Zealand because you're:
        • waiting to be recognised as a refugee or protected person, or
        • applying for a residence class visa because you need to remain in New Zealand for unforeseen circumstances.

    You also need to:

    • not be getting Student Allowance or Student Loan
    • be 16 or over
    • be looking for a job, moving into a job or between jobs
    • have a job interview or a job offer in New Zealand
    • be either:
      • getting a main benefit, or
      • enrolled with Work and Income as a job seeker, or
      • registered with Student Job Search.

    It also depends on:

    • how much you and your partner earn
    • any income or cash assets you and your partner have.

  • What you can get

    The maximum you can get is $1500 in a 52 week period. How much you get depends on your situation.

    You may be able to get help with:

    • clothing and transport to look for a job or go to a job interview
    • an interpreter
    • tools or clothing needed for work
    • relocation costs
    • living expenses until your first pay.

  • How to apply

    You need to call us and we'll book you an appointment to come in and see us. You’ll need to provide evidence of your costs and we'll let you know if there's anything else you need to bring.