New Zealand - Apply for Accommodation Supplement

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Procedure

Apply Online

1. Here are the procedures on how you can apply to receive accommodation supplement from the government of New Zealand. If you're not receiving any payments from the Ministry of Social Development, or only getting childcare payments, you can submit your application online through MyMSD. MyMSD is the Ministry's online service where you can apply for various financial assistance and manage your information online.
2. Create a MyMSD account: In case this is your first time using MyMSD then you'll need to create an account first.
   1. To create an account you will need to enter your client number (this is a 9 digit number MSD issued you the first time you transact with them, eg: 000-000-000) and the email address or mobile phone number you registered with MSD.
      • In case you don't have a client number, or can't remember it, you can request one by completing an online form. MSD will email or text you within 1-2 working days. Request a client number.
      • In case that you have not registered email address or phone number with MSD, you can give them a call on 0800 559 009. Say "client number" when asked why you're calling. Then leave your contact phone number and email address where MSD can reach you.
   2. When you are ready to create your MyMSD account click this LINK.
   3. Click on 'Register for MyMSD'.
   4. Enter your client number and date of birth.
   5. Agree to the MyMSD terms of use and privacy policy and select 'Next'.
   6. Enter the 6 digit code sent to your mobile phone or email address, and select 'Next'.
   7. Create a 4 digit PIN.
3. Now that you have registered an account, log in to MyMSD.
4. Complete the online form.
5. Read and agree to the obligations stated on the form.
6. Upload your documents (see list below). MyMSD will let you know how you can do this and what types of documents you can upload.
7. Once you are done, submit your application.
8. MSD will contact you within 5 working days to go over the details of your application. They will also discuss your obligation as an applicant and help you complete your next steps, if you haven't done so.
9. The Ministry will process your application as soon they can and they will let you know by phone or letter when this is done. In case you disagree with the outcome of your application decision, you can ask them to conduct a review.
10. In most cases your payments will start from the date your application is approved.
11. If you can't use MyMSD, you can print out and complete an Extra Help application form (link to download the form provided under 'Documents to Use' section). After completing the form, you'll need to send the form and proof of your costs to MSD. Give them a call to ask for help with your application.

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Required Documents

You need to provide proof of your accommodation costs.

• If you rent or board, you can present your Tenancy Agreement.
• If you own your own home, you will need to provide your original:
  • mortgage agreement
  • insurance (excluding contents)
  • rates
  • ground lease
  • water rates

Your documents must show the following:

• your full name
• how much you pay
• how often you pay these costs.

Office Locations & Contacts

Ministry of Social Development

General Enquiries
Phone: 0800 559 009
Calling from Australia: 1800 150 479
Monday to Friday - 7am and 6pm
Saturday - 8am and 1pm

MyMSD Helpline
Phone: 0800 559 009
Monday to Friday, between 8am and 5pm.
Say "online help" when you call.

Find a Service Centre

Eligibility

You may apply to receive accommodation supplement if:

• you have accommodation costs
• you are aged 16 years or more
• you are a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident
• you normally live in New Zealand and intend to stay in the country
• you are not paying rent for a social housing property. Social housing properties are provided by Kāinga Ora (used to be Housing New Zealand) and approved community housing providers.

Your eligibility to receive this type of financial assistance would also depend on:

• how much you and your spouse or partner earn
• any money or assets you and your spouse or partner have.

To check if you are eligible to receive this benefit, and what other financial assistance available to you click this LINK

Fees

Explain the fees structure which is required for obtaining the certificate/document.

Validity

Explain the time until which the certificate/document is valid.
e.g. Birth Certificate Valid Forever

Documents to Use

Extra Help application Form

Sample Documents

Please attach sample completed documents that would help other people.

Processing Time

Please explain processing time taken in obtaining the document/certificate.

Related Videos

Videos explaining the procedure or to fill the applications. 
Attach videos using the following tag <&video type='website'>video ID|width|height<&/video&> from external websites. 	
Please remove the '&' inside the tags during implementation.
Website = allocine, blip, dailymotion, facebook, gametrailers, googlevideo, html5, metacafe, myspace, revver, 
sevenload, viddler, vimeo, youku, youtube
width = 560, height = 340, Video ID = Can be obtained from the URL of webpage where the video is displayed.
e.g In the following url 'http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0US7oR_t3M' Video ID is 'Y0US7oR_t3M'.

Instructions

Please provide other instructions related to the certificate/documents.
e.g. The state office holds birth records since january 1908.

Required Information

A list which displays the kind of information which is required to complete the procedure.
e.g.
1. Date of Birth.
2. City or Country of Birth.

Need for the Document

Please provide the need for the procedure. e.g. Birth Certificate - why do we need to have a birth certificate? 
 

Information which might help

Accommodation Supplement is a weekly financial aid which helps New Zealand citizens and permanent residents pay for their rent, board or the cost of owning a home.

In computing the amount you will get as Accommodation Supplement, authorities will take in to consideration the following:

• your income
• your assets
• your accommodation costs
• your family circumstances
• where you live.

You can use this link to check how much you can get - Calculator

Other uses of the Document/Certificate

Please explain what are other uses of obtaining this document/certificate.
e.g. Birth Certificate can be used as proof of identity.

External Links

Ministry of Social Development

Others

More information which might help people.