Introduction

All clients getting a main benefit, Orphans Benefit, Unsupported Childs Benefit, New Zealand Superannuation or Veteran's Pension who need assistance to meet a particular immediate need for an essential item or service, may get an Advance of up to 6 weeks of their benefit.

Consideration must be given to whether an Advance would best meet their immediate need. You must investigate other sources of assistance to meet the immediate need, and consider the client's ability to repay the Advance. This includes when an essential need is provided under the Advance Payment of Benefit categories.