Accommodation Benefit rates
Weekly payment rates for Accommodation Benefit.
Important information
These rates changed on 1 January. If you were studying on 1 January 2023 and your rate decreased, you’ll continue to get your current rate. It won't decrease for a while.
How much you get
How much you get for the Accommodation Benefit depends on your situation.
- If you're studying on campus or overseas, it's based on the city or district council area your New Zealand education provider is in.
- If you're studying extramurally, it's based on the city or district council area you live in.
- If you're a sole parent, it depends on your accommodation costs, income and cash assets.
Live in a hostel
If you live in a hostel, you can get as much as $60 a week, depending on what hostel you live in. We won't pay for your lump sum hostel or hall of residence costs.
Find your rate
Select the 'North Island' or 'South Island' option. Then find your city or district council area (Territorial Authority) to see what your rate will be.
If you're a sole parent, we use a different calculation to work out your rate. Select the 'Sole parent' option below.