Change in accommodation

A client can continue receiving Special Transfer Allowance each time they move provided they continue to pay rent that is more than the average regional rent.

If the client changes accommodation and they:

• are boarding
• own their own home
• receiving residential care services or
• pay rent to live in a property that is owned or managed by Housing New Zealand or a property let by or on behalf of Housing New Zealand (an income related rent)

Special Transfer Allowance must stop from the day after the client moved out of their previous residence.

Where a client continues to pay rent their Special Transfer Allowance must be reviewed to ensure they are receiving the correct payment.

Note the maximum rate payable is the rate of Special Transfer Allowance they were receiving, not the rate of Tenure Protection Allowance they once received. So they either receive:

• Special Transfer Allowance based on their new accommodation costs or
• the rate of Special Transfer Allowance paid on their last home

whichever is the lesser