Ngā wānanga tahua manawa ora Government and community support

As well as the financial support that StudyLink provides, there is further support available to help with your expenses while you’re studying.

You may not be eligible for all of the options below, so it’s important to read the information carefully.

Accommodation Supplement

An Accommodation Supplement may be available to help cover the cost of rent or board if you aren't eligible for a Student Allowance.

Eligibility for the Accommodation Supplement

You may be eligible if you:

• have accommodation costs (this does not include Kāinga Ora/Housing New Zealand housing)
• are a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident
• have a low income
• have low assets (below $2,700 for a single person, or $5,400 for couples and sole parents)
• do not receive a Student Allowance.

Student scenarios for the Accommodation Supplement

• Kelly is studying towards her Master's degree. She isn't eligible for a Student Allowance for postgraduate study, so she receives Student Loan living costs and an Accommodation Supplement.
• Ali has studied more than 7 EFTS and can no longer get a Student Loan. She now works part time and receives an Accommodation Supplement.
• Kevin works over summer but only earns $350 a week. He tops it up with an Accommodation Supplement.
• Mark received a Student Allowance last year, but he isn't eligible this year because he didn't pass enough courses. Instead, he receives Student Loan living costs and an Accommodation Supplement.
• Jen studies part time and works part time. She tops up her wages with an Accommodation Supplement.

How to apply for the Accommodation Supplement

Apply online through StudyLink.

---

Disability Allowance

Disability Allowance is a weekly payment for people who have regular, ongoing costs because of a disability. These may include visits to a doctor or hospital, medicines, extra clothing, or travel. You don’t need to be on a benefit to qualify for a Disability Allowance.

Eligibility for the Disability Allowance

You may be able to get a Disability Allowance if you:

• have a disability that is likely to last at least six months
• have regular, ongoing costs due to your disability that are not fully covered by another agency
• are a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident
• normally live in New Zealand and intend to stay here.
• eligibility also depends on how much you and your partner earn.

For more detailed information on the Disability Allowance and how to apply, visit the Work and Income website.

---

Jobseeker Support Student Hardship weekly payments

If you aren't studying over summer and haven't been able to find work, or if your job is only part-time and you are on a low wage, then the Jobseeker Support Student Hardship can help.

Eligibility for Jobseeker Support Student Hardship weekly payments

To be eligible, you must be returning to study and registered with Student Job Search. If you receive the Student Allowance, you will qualify for this benefit. If you don’t receive the Student Allowance, you will need to show evidence of hardship. Examples include staying in Wellington, paying rent, and not receiving regular support from your family.

When to apply

Apply four weeks before your study break starts to make sure you get the correct payments on time. If you get a job, you can always cancel the benefit.

You'll usually receive your first payment in the third week of your break. This is because there is a one-week stand-down period and StudyLink pays one week in arrears. When your break ends, you'll receive your last payment a week later (during the first week of your course).

How to apply

Apply online through StudyLink.

You'll need to have submitted a Student Allowance and/or Student Loan application for the next period of study. Make sure you're also registered with Student Job Search.

If you'd like help with the application process, contact us to book an appointment.

---

Community Services Card

Most students are eligible for a Community Services Card, which reduces the cost of public transport and healthcare services. Eligibility is judged on your annual income. Visit the Community Services Card webpage for details on how to apply.

---

Dental grant

The dental grant can be accessed through either StudyLink or Work and Income. If you're on a low income or benefit, they may be able to pay for immediate and essential dental treatment.

This includes dental treatment such as fillings and extractions, but not routine cleaning or check-ups.

You can apply for up to $1,000 a year (in any 52-week period), to help with immediate and essential dental treatment. You don't have to pay this back.

If your dental treatment costs more than $1,000, they may still be able to help. Depending on your situation, you may need to pay some of this back. Talk to StudyLink or Work and Income to find out how they can help.

You don't have to be receiving a benefit to qualify for this grant. Read more about eligibility and how to apply on the Work and Income website.

---

VUWSA

The Victoria University of Wellington Students’ Association (VUWSA) provides welfare services to support students in need. This includes the community pantry, menstrual products, and free food from Kaibosh at certain times throughout the trimester. VUWSA also offers inter-campus bus passes if you have lectures at different campuses, and low-cost campus parking.

In addition to their welfare services, VUWSA provides advocacy support to help students with academic and personal issues.

To find out more about what VUWSA may be able to help you with, you can visit the VUWSA website.

---

Free and affordable food around the city

There are many organisations around Poneke that offer free or low-cost food. Everybody Eats is a pay-what-you-can restaurant that is open a few days each week. They are located on Dixon Street.

Fruit and vegetable markets

Poneke has a range of different fruit and vegetable markets, usually held on weekends. Markets are generally more affordable than supermarkets and you are usually buying directly from the farmers. It's a good idea to bring cash as not all markets accept EFTPOS. You can look at a directory of some of the markets around the city to find which ones are close to you.

Wonky Box

Wonky Box is a fresh fruit and vegetable subscription box that uses produce at risk of going to waste. They collect odd-looking and surplus produce from local growers and deliver it to households across the North Island. Their mission is to be fairer to consumers, fairer to growers, and fairer to the environment. They want to help New Zealanders reduce food waste and eat seasonally all year round at an affordable price.

Wonky Box can be an affordable way to get a variety of fruits and vegetables delivered to your door. You can check the contents of the boxes every week on the Wonky Box website. For enrolled students, the Student Finance team have a code that can be used on your first order to save some putea. Email student-hardship@vuw.ac.nz with your student ID number to receive a 20% discount code.

---