Payment of Family Violence Programme
The client can apply for a weekly non-recoverable Special Needs Grant.
The basic amount of the grant
The basic amount of the grant a client is entitled to, is dependent on the client's family circumstances and is the appropriate Jobseeker Support rate.
For more information see:
- Deskfile Jobseeker Support rates
Income
As the client has been granted a work visa under the Immigration Act 2009 (or a work permit under the Immigration Act 1987) they are able to earn income.
Income is charged weekly at the following rate:
- 70 cents is taken from the payment for each $1.00 of income over $160.00 (before tax) a week (as at 1 April 2026)
Accommodation costs
The client can receive an additional amount no more than the weekly amount of an Accommodation Supplement that would be payable if the client was receiving a main benefit.
This means you would assess the amount of the Accommodation Supplement the client would be entitled to (depending on their accommodation costs, their family circumstances and the area in which they live) as if they were receiving Jobseeker Support.
The assessed amount of Accommodation Supplement is paid with the basic grant.
DREW assessment
For all grants of Family Violence Programme that include the assessment amount for income or accommodation costs, a DREW assessment can be completed with an assessment calculation sheet attached to the application form.
Other assistance
As these clients are not a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, generally they will not be eligible for any other assistance.
For more information see:
Legislation
- Applicants applying for a residence class visa in New Zealand who have lost the financial support of their sponsors clause 15B.4 Special Needs Grants Programme
- General limitation on receiving benefit: persons unlawfully resident or present in New Zealand and persons holding temporary entry class visa section 19 Social Security Act 2018
- Rates of Jobseeker Support schedule 4, part 1 Social Security Act 2018
