Cabinet has extended the increased income limits for hardship assistance, meaning more people will continue to be eligible for hardship assistance – until 30 June 2022.

The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) has advised that more casual or part-time workers, or people who aren’t already getting financial support will continue to be eligible for help with their immediate or emergency costs.

Income limits for Emergency Housing Special Needs Grants, Transition to Work Grants and the Course Participation Allowance aren’t changing. People new to MSD can check these links to see the new income limits: Special Needs Grant, Recoverable Assistance Payment or Advance Payment of Benefit, then click on the check what you might get guide. You will be asked some easy questions about your costs, then MSD let you know about Work and Income payments you may be able to access.

Alternatively, if you’d like to talk with MSD, you can call them:

• 0800 559 009 for working age
• 0800 552 002 for over-65’s
• 0800 88 99 00 for students

Interpreters are available, if that suits you best.