Income support for the person being cared for - A Guide for Carers
Supported Living Payment (for the person you care for)
This is a weekly payment made to people who have a health condition, injury or disability.
To get this payment a person must be permanently (expected to continue for at least two years) and severely restricted in their ability to work because of their health condition, disability or injury, or total blindness.
When a person is applying for this payment, they will need to give Work and Income information that confirms their condition and why it stops them from working.
To find out more or to apply
- visit the Supported Living Payment page on the Work and Income website, or
- contact Work and Income.
Jobseeker Support Health and Disability
This is a weekly payment for people who cannot work, or are working fewer hours because of a health condition, injury or disability.
A Work Capacity Medical Certificate (or medical certificate with the needed information) is required to get this payment. A person may have part-time work obligations if they have the capacity.
To get this payment you must have no income or income lower than the amount that would fully reduce the Jobseeker support benefit.
To find out more and how to apply
- visit the Jobseeker Support page on the Work and Income website, or
- contact Work and Income.
New Zealand Superannuation (NZ Super)
This is a fortnightly payment made to people aged 65 or older who:
have lived in New Zealand for at least 10 years since turning 20, and
have lived in New Zealand, the Cook Islands, Niue or Tokelau (or a combination of these) for at least 5 years since turning 50.
You may qualify for NZ Super with less than 10 years residence if you have migrated to New Zealand from a country that New Zealand has a social security agreement with.
To find out more and how to apply
- visit the New Zealand Superannuation page on the Work and Income website, or
- contact Work and Income.
Veteran’s Pension
This is a fortnightly payment made to people aged 65 or older who have served in New Zealand’s Armed Forces and have qualifying operational service. It is paid at the same rate as New Zealand Superannuation, but has some added benefits.
To find out if the person you care for is eligible, contact the Veteran’s Pension Centre.
