Conditions of grant

The payment of Emergency Benefit can be subject to certain conditions set by the Chief Executive. Generally, the conditions will reflect the obligations for the Equivalent benefit.

Why the client is in hardship and is unable to earn a sufficient livelihood for themselves (and any dependent family) will determine the appropriate conditions that should be applied to the Emergency Benefit.

The conditions of an Emergency Benefit will vary. It is important that the right conditions be applied to each Emergency Benefit. If the client does not meet the conditions of grant that are applied, the Emergency Benefit may be stopped.

All conditions of grant of the Emergency Benefit must be explained to the client, both verbally and in writing, and noted in CMS. The client must understand the conditions before they can be imposed. These conditions of grant must be monitored.

The conditions of grant of an Emergency Benefit may be (but not limited to):

• Job search
• Planning requirements
• Medical assessments
• Any other appropriate conditions
• Benefit paid for a specific period

Not all these conditions of grant will apply to every client but at least one condition must be imposed.

If the client has a partner, MSD must consider if the partner should have work or work preparation obligations imposed on them or if they have youth activity obligations. For more information see:

• Work or work preparation obligations - partners
• Youth activity obligations (for partners aged 16 to 18 years)
• Partners 65 years or over

The rate of payment and income test are not part of the conditions of grant.

Generally, Emergency Benefit is paid at the maximum rate of the equivalent benefit with the appropriate income test however there is discretion to pay a lower rate of payment where it is justified.

The maximum rate cannot be New Zealand Superannuation or Veteran's Pension.