Commencement date

The commencement date for Accommodation Supplement depends on whether a client is applying for Accommodation Supplement:

• as a non-beneficiary or
• at the same time as applying for a main benefit or
• after a main benefit has been granted

If the client is applying for Accommodation Supplement as a non-beneficiary and does not have a current main benefit then the commencement date is the later of either:

• the date of application or
• the date accommodation costs begin

Example - non beneficiary

Sarah is single and rents in Wellington. She worked 32 hours weekly as a receptionist for a small family business for 7 years. She recently applied for and now receives non-beneficiary Accommodation Supplement.

Sarah hours of work are reduced to 15 hours per week and she is concerned about paying her rent and living expenses. Sarah applies for Jobseeker Support and has a 1-week stand-down.

Sarah's Accommodation Supplement continues at the same rate during the stand-down and is reviewed when Jobseeker Support commences as it is no longer income tested for beneficiaries.

When a client applies for a main benefit and Accommodation Supplement at the same time, the commencement date for Accommodation Supplement depends on whether the client has a stand-down or non-entitlement period for their main benefit.

If the Accommodation Supplement is applied for on the same day as a main benefit with a stand-down or non-entitlement period imposed, MSD must grant the Accommodation Supplement from the day after the stand-down or non-entitlement period ends.

If no stand-down or non-entitlement period applies to the main benefit, Accommodation Supplement commences from the later of:

• the date of application or
• the date accommodation costs begin.

The 28-day rule for main benefits does not apply to Accommodation Supplement.

Example 1 – applies for Sole Parent Support and Accommodation Supplement, initial stand-down applies to main benefit

June has 2 children who are both under the age of 5. She separated from her husband on 13 September. Her husband is no longer in the family home and does not provide support. June had to stop working to take care of her children because she can't afford childcare on her part time wage. She currently remains in their Auckland family home but needs help.

June applies for Sole Parent Support and Accommodation Supplement on 13 November. The 28-day rule does not apply because June's application for Sole Parent Support was not lodged within 28 days of her entitlement date (13 September).

June has a 1 week stand-down and her Accommodation Supplement and Sole Parent Support commence the day after the stand-down ends.

Example 2 – applies for Supported Living Payment and Accommodation Supplement, stand-down and 28-day rule applies to main benefit

Salesi is 20 years old and rents a flat in Dunedin. After completing his study, Salesi became unwell and was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. Salesi is unable to work and has no income or savings now his studies have ended. Salesi is admitted to hospital on 14 November for a week for observation and treatment. He then returns to his flat, where he needs help to pay rent.

Salesi visits his GP on 23 November and the GP helps him apply for a Supported Living Payment and Accommodation Supplement and provides a medical certificate confirming that Salesi's condition is permanent and severe. The application for both benefits is made on 24 November. Salesi has a 1 week stand-down applied.

As Salesi applied within 28 days of his entitlement date to Supported Living Payment, the 28-day rule applies to his Supported Living Payment. The 28-day rule does not apply to Accommodation Supplement. Salesi's Accommodation Supplement commences on the day after his stand-down ends.

When a person has been getting a main benefit and then applies for an Accommodation Supplement, the commencement date is the later of either:

• the date of application or
• the date accommodation costs begin