Qualifications

An Emergency Benefit may be considered for a client who is:

• not eligible for another main benefit and
• in hardship as they are unable to earn a sufficient livelihood due to:
  • a health condition, an injury or a disability
  • their domestic circumstances (for example caring responsibilities)
  • their age (for example 16 and 17 year olds) or
  • any other reason (for example residence status)

Generally, the client also has to be:

• 16 years or older and
• ordinarily resident in New Zealand

Note if a client is 16 to 19 years old, they may also need to meet a Parental Assistance Test.

Each client's circumstances must be established to determine why the client cannot earn a sufficient livelihood and is in hardship. The reason a client cannot support themselves (and dependent family) will determine the 'equivalent benefit'. It is important to identify the equivalent benefit, as this will set the maximum rate of the benefit payable and provides a guide for the conditions of the Emergency Benefit.

Note a sole parent rate of benefit should be granted to Australian citizens who are in New Zealand for the purpose of resolving an international custody dispute and who qualify for Emergency Benefit.

Some clients may have been granted a residence class visa on condition that they will be supported by a New Zealand sponsor.

Before a decision can be made about the client's application for benefit, MSD must verify any reasons why their sponsor can no longer support them.

This is done for the purpose of assessing whether the client is in hardship.