Income limit

A client cannot get a Special Needs Grant if their income and their partner's (if any) income exceeds the appropriate income limit.

The income limit depends on:

• the client's age
• their relationship status and
• if they have any dependent children.

Income for Special Needs Grants includes:

• New Zealand Superannuation or Veterans Pension the client or their partner (if any) are getting
• the amount of any payments made to the client or their partner (if any) under the following programmes:
  • New Employment Transition Grant Programme
  • Seasonal Work Assistance Programme or
  • Work Bonus Programme

If the client is applying for a Special Needs Grant on behalf of their dependent child, the income limit applies to the parent or caregiver's income.

If a client is getting a main benefit, they would generally meet the income test for a Special Needs Grant.

The Winter Energy Payment is not considered income when making a Special Needs Grant assessment.

Note for New Zealand Superannuation and Veteran's Pension clients, the appropriate income limit applies.

For more information see:

• Income limit - New Zealand Superannuation and Veteran's Pension clients