Spontaneous or convention refugees or asylum seekers
Some people come to New Zealand under the New Zealand Refugee Quota Programme.
Others apply for refugee or protected person status under the Immigration Act 2009 after they have arrived in New Zealand, and are known as spontaneous refugees, convention refugees or asylum seekers. A claim can be initiated at any time.
Client may apply for Emergency Benefit while waiting for a decision
When a person is awaiting the outcome of their application for refugee or protected person status and are lawfully in New Zealand (i.e. they have a valid temporary entry class visa under the Immigration Act 2009), they may qualify for Emergency Benefit and Temporary Additional Support.
People who qualify for, and are getting Emergency Benefit can qualify for social housing on residency grounds.
Residence status reconfirmed regularly while client on register
A client's residence status must be reconfirmed regularly while they are on the register.
This ensures that if a formal offer of housing is made by a social housing provider the client meets the residence requirements.
Client no longer gets a benefit and doesn't meet the residency qualifications
When a client is declined refugee or protected person status and they are no longer getting a main benefit or do not meet the residence criteria, they will no longer qualify for social housing. If the client is on the Social Housing Register, they will be removed as they no longer qualify for a social housing.
