Help paying rent and housing costs
If you have low income or financial problems you might be able to get help with rent and other housing costs. You may be able to get an accommodation supplement or access to cheaper housing.
Financial help
You don't need to be on a benefit to be eligible for help.
Work and Income offers a number of payments that can help with rent and housing costs, including the Accommodation Supplement.
Government help with housing if you're over 65
Check what you might get from Work and Income
Answer some questions to find out which benefits you might be entitled to. It's confidential — the tool asks you questions but Work and Income don’t see your answers. You'll be asked:
- for personal information about you and your partner
- what you've earned in the last year
- about any health conditions or disabilities
- how much you pay in rent or mortgage payments
- the value of your assets.
Check what you might get from Work and Income
If you can't pay your rates
Through your local council you might be able to get help with your rates payments by:
- applying for a rates rebate or refund
- postponing the payments.
Postpone or defer paying your rates
Low-cost housing
If your income is low you may be able to get financial help to pay your rent or get cheaper housing — sometimes called social housing. Apply to the Ministry of Social Development to find out if you're eligible.
If you’re over 65
Some local councils offer social housing to older people for less than what you would pay to rent or buy on the open market.
Find your local council by region
For example, Auckland Council offers a scheme to buy an own-your-own unit.
Auckland Council — Own-your-own unit
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