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Emergency Benefit : Contents

Partner not getting a benefit

There is a higher married rate of payment for a client with 1 or more dependent children whose partner is not getting a benefit.

The following chart describes the situations where the higher rate is applicable and shows the rate of payment for each.

Primary client

Partner's circumstances

Rate of payment

Granted Emergency Benefit equivalent to Supported Living Payment because they are caring for a person full-time.

Partner:

  • is working
  • is getting New Zealand Superannuation or Veterans Pension
  • does not qualify for any other benefit

$392.94 at 1 April 2026

Granted Emergency Benefit equivalent to Supported Living Payment because of a health condition, injury, or disability.

Partner:

  • is getting New Zealand Superannuation or Veterans Pension
  • does not meet the residency criteria to be included in the benefit and sole parent rate of payment is not applicable for the couple's circumstances

$392.94 at 1 April 2026

Granted Emergency Benefit equivalent to Jobseeker Support

Partner:

  • is getting New Zealand Superannuation or Veterans Pension
  • doesn't meet the residency criteria to be included in the benefit and the sole parent rate of payment is not applicable for the couple's circumstances

$334.70 at 1 April 2026

Granted Emergency Benefit equivalent to Young Parent Payment

Partner:

  • is not getting any benefit

$334.70 at 1 April 2026

A higher rate of payment is not applicable for a client with 1 or more dependent children when their partner is subject to a 13 week non-entitlement period.

In these circumstances the rate payable is the half married rate for a couple with children.

For more information see:

Deskfile - Emergency Benefit rates
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