Housing Support
Accommodation Supplement
The Accommodation Supplement is a weekly, non-taxable payment from the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) that helps cover rent, board or mortgage costs if housing eats too much of your income. You don't need to be on a main benefit to qualify — many working New Zealanders in Auckland, Wellington and other high-rent areas are eligible but never apply. Rates depend on your household type and the MSD area where you live.
What is this?
Accommodation Supplement is administered by MSD. Social Security Act 2018, s.61
Am I eligible?
- You pay rent, board, or a mortgage in New Zealand
- You're a NZ citizen or resident, or hold an eligible visa
- Your housing cost is above the weekly entry threshold for your household type
- Your income and cash assets are below MSD limits
How much could I get?
Maximum weekly rate for a single person: $165 (Area 1, e.g. Auckland) down to $70 (Area 4).
Maximum for a couple with children: $305 (Area 1) down to $120 (Area 4).
Payment formula: (weekly housing cost − entry threshold), capped at max, reduced by 25% of income above the MSD threshold.
Rates current as of Budget 2025. Personal amounts depend on your situation.
How to apply
- Complete an Accommodation Supplement application at MyMSD
- Provide proof of accommodation costs (tenancy agreement or mortgage statement)
- Provide income evidence (two recent payslips or IR3)
- Processing time: typically 5–10 working days
Documents you'll need
- · Current tenancy agreement or mortgage statement
- · Two most recent payslips or IR3 if self-employed
- · Bank statement showing rent or mortgage payments (last 4 weeks)
Frequently asked questions
How much Accommodation Supplement can I get in Auckland?
Auckland is MSD Area 1, which has the highest maximum rates. A single person can receive up to $165/week, a couple without children up to $235/week, and a couple with children up to $305/week, before any income-based abatement.
Can I get Accommodation Supplement if I have a mortgage?
Yes. MSD treats weekly mortgage payments (principal, interest, rates and insurance) the same way it treats rent. You'll need to supply a mortgage statement and recent bank transactions showing the payments.
What happens to my Accommodation Supplement if my rent changes?
You must tell MSD within a reasonable time. The payment recalculates based on your new weekly housing cost — it will rise if rent goes up (still within the area maximum) and fall if it goes down below the entry threshold.
Do I need to be on a benefit to qualify?
No. Non-beneficiaries can receive the Accommodation Supplement as long as income and cash assets are below MSD limits. This is the single most under-claimed entitlement for working New Zealanders in high-rent cities.
Related benefits you might also qualify for
Working for Families Tax Credit
Working for Families pays weekly tax credits to families with children. See 2026 rates, income thresholds, abatement rules and how to register with IRD.
Community Services Card
The Community Services Card cuts GP fees, prescription costs and unlocks higher subsidies. See 2026 income thresholds and how to apply via MyMSD.
Winter Energy Payment
Winter Energy Payment pays $20.46–$31.82/week from 1 May to 1 October to benefit recipients and NZ Super. See eligibility and how it's paid.
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