People holding a temporary visa who are compelled to remain in New Zealand
If a client is in New Zealand on a temporary entry class visa, they generally do not qualify for social housing (even if they have lived in New Zealand for 2 years).
However, they may qualify for social housing if they’re getting an Emergency Benefit. Clients who are getting a main benefit qualify for social housing on residency grounds.
Client does not qualify for an Emergency Benefit
In some cases, the client may be compelled to remain in New Zealand while they apply for a residence class visa, but the person may not qualify for an Emergency Benefit.
This might be because the client is not considered to be in hardship, for example they have other means of support or cash assets over the threshold to receive Emergency Benefit. In these cases, the client does not qualify for social housing.
If this is identified while they are on the Social Housing Register waiting to be matched and placed into a property, the client will be removed from the register.
