Payment of refugee, protected person, Afghan interpreter or Afghan evacuee re-establishment grants

A refugee, protected person, Afghan interpreter or Afghan evacuee who do not qualify for other forms of government assistance that are not provided by MSD, may be paid a Special Needs Grant to re-establish themselves in the community.

Applications

An application must be made within 1 year of their first arrival in New Zealand, or within 2 years of their first arrival in New Zealand if the assistance is for the cost of attending English language classes.

A client can apply for more than 1 grant, however the total assistance paid cannot exceed the maximum amount.

Re-establishment costs

Accommodation costs - including payments for a tenancy bond and rent in advance.

Other costs, include:

beds, bedding and essential appliances
connecting a telephone, electricity and gas
clothing requirements
the cost of attending English language classes (including transport costs)
translation costs for work-related documents

There is a preferred supplier arrangement for whiteware.

For more information see:

Fridges, freezers and washing machines

Note a re-establishment grant cannot be paid for emergency housing costs.

Maximum amounts

A total maximum of $5000 is payable. Within the total maximum of $5000, a maximum of $3500 can be paid for accommodation costs. The whole grant is non-recoverable.

When the applicant has more than 2 dependent children, the total maximum payable is increased by $100 for each additional dependent child only.

Please see:

Maximum amounts payable

When the re-establishment grant does not cover the full amount needed for bond or rent in advance, consider whether the client qualifies for any Housing Support Products for the remaining amount.