Temporary Additional Support, food grants, advances and recoverable assistance

Which one fits your situation?

Temporary Additional Support (TAS)

TAS is a weekly, untaxed payment for people who can't meet essential costs from income and assets. You must be over 16, a NZ citizen or permanent resident, normally living here, and not already receiving Special Benefit. Your and your partner's income and assets are considered, and so is what you're doing to reduce costs or lift income.

• Accommodation: rent, board, home ownership costs.
• Employment: public transport or vehicle costs to get to work, childcare if the caregiver works.
• Health and disability costs, including prescription fees.
• Child support (formula-assessed, paid through Inland Revenue).
• Household items such as a bed, fridge, washing machine, TV (as listed by Work and Income).

It's paid for up to 13 weeks. To continue you must re-apply. The amount depends on your situation: there's no published flat rate, so give them your actual bills.

Special Needs Grant (SNG)

For costs that are immediate and essential, or an emergency, that you can't pay another way. You need to be a NZ citizen, permanent resident or residence-class visa holder, living here.

• Cash/asset limit: under $1,411.22 single, under $2,351.46 couple or sole parent. Your home and car are normally excluded; money in the bank is not.
• Examples listed by Work and Income: food, bedding, dental treatment, a driver licence, health travel costs, ambulance and medical equipment, water tank refills.
• For emergency costs they also ask whether you knew it was coming and could have covered it.
• Paid onto a payment card; you have 7 days to spend the money. Check the balance and expiry in MyMSD.

Food help may be available when you have no other way to pay, such as no money in the bank. Phone 0800 559 009 and say you need food support today.

Advances and Recoverable Assistance

These are not free money: they are repaid, usually in small amounts from your payments. Because debt can pile up, check whether a grant (SNG) can cover the cost first. Asset limits for an advance are about $1,411.22 single and $2,351.46 couple or sole parent.

Repayable assistance may be offered for things like rent, a washing machine, or a school uniform. If you can't meet repayments, call Work and Income and ask for a lower amount. See the overpayments and debt guide.

How to apply, and what to do if you're declined

1. Phone 0800 559 009 (Mon-Fri 7am-6pm, Sat 8am-1pm) or apply through MyMSD.
2. For TAS, complete the process within 20 working days of first contact for backdating. New clients use the Extra Help application and proof of costs.
3. Keep your payment card: it can be reused.
4. If declined, ask for the reason in writing, then consider a Review of Decision within 3 months. See the review guide.