Not eligible for another benefit
Before considering whether to pay Emergency Benefit:
1. Check whether the client or partner (if any) can get another main benefit.
Consider the client's eligibility to:
- Jobseeker Support
(this includes on grounds of hardship) - New Zealand Superannuation
- Sole Parent Support
- Supported Living Payment
- Veterans Pension
- Young Parent Payment
- Youth Payment
If a young person aged 16 to 19 is not eligible for Jobseeker Support or Jobseeker Support Student Hardship because they do not meet the Parental Assistance Test, they are not eligible for Emergency Benefit equivalent to either of those main benefits.
2. Consider the client's full circumstances
Emergency Benefit is a last resort and the reason(s) why a client or partner (if any) cannot get another benefit needs to be identified. For example if a client is caring for someone but the level of care did not meet the Supported Living Payment - caring for a person criteria, they may be able to meet the work obligations and qualify for Jobseeker Support.
3. Other emergency or hardship benefits
Where a client does not have sufficient residence to meet the qualifications for another benefit, first consider the client's eligibility to:
- Jobseeker Support Granting on grounds of hardship
- Young Parent Payment on grounds of hardship
- Youth Payment on grounds of hardship
Note clients who do not have New Zealand citizenship or a residence class visa are not eligible for another benefit but may be able to get Emergency Benefit.
Exceptions
There may be some situations that a client is eligible for another benefit but in the best interests of the client an Emergency Benefit may be considered.
For more information see:
Legislation
- Emergency benefit: discretionary grant on ground of hardship section 63(1)(b) Social Security Act 2018
- Emergency benefit: discretionary grant on ground of hardship section 63(2A) Social Security Act 2018
