Caring for a person requiring care

When it is determined a client is prevented from working and unable to earn a sufficient livelihood due to caring for a person who requires care (other than their partner), the client's eligibility to the Supported Living Payment - caring for a person must be tested.

If the client is not able to get any other benefit, you will need to consider all the reasons a client cannot earn a sufficient livelihood, and if alternative arrangements can be made to allow the client to be in paid work.

Note you need to look at each application for Emergency Benefit on its own merits and the payment of Emergency Benefit must be justified.

Generally, Emergency Benefit cannot be paid to a person who is caring for their partner.

There is an exception when a person is caring for their New Zealand Superannuation or Veteran's Pension partner. This can only be considered when the person providing care is not eligible for New Zealand Superannuation or Veteran's Pension in their own right.