Temporary accommodation assistance for displaced homeowners

​Weekly payments

The government announced in July 2023 that eligible displaced homeowners (those unable to live in storm-damaged homes) can access financial support for temporary accommodation from 4 September 2023.

The payments will be based on 100 per cent of the average weekly rent in the area of your household's temporary rental accommodation.

The assistance payments will be paid weekly into your bank account.

If your current rent exceeds the average for the area where you live, then the amount will match the maximum weekly payment. All other cases will be paid the same as your current rent.

For more information see the government's website details.

​How payments are calculated

Payments are calculated based on household situations:

 Table showing maximum weekly payments for different household situations.

​Find out if you are eligible for accommodation assistance

If you are eligible, you may be able to receive a backdated lump sum payment covering your temporary accommodation costs from 1 June 2023.

You may be eligible for accommodation assistance if:

• you cannot live in your home because it has a yellow or red placard
• you are paying for alternative temporary accommodation in a private rental
• you have a tenancy agreement from before 19 July 2023
• your insurance cover for temporary rental accommodation is ending soon.

Payments can only be used for private rentals and not commercial accommodation such as hotels and motels.

Payments will not be means-tested, but you will be asked to declare you have taken reasonable steps to limit the cost of your temporary accommodation.

The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) will take into account your wider financial circumstances.

Who is not eligible

You are not eligible for accommodation assistance if you already receive the Accommodation Supplement or the Student Allowance Accommodation Benefit.

Assistance from insurance companies

If you are receiving temporary accommodation assistance from your insurer, you are only eligible for the government's accommodation assistance once your insurance cover runs out.

How to apply

To apply through Work and Income, you can book an appointment from 21 August 2023.

You can submit your application through the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) from 4 September 2023.

To find out if you are eligible and how to apply, visit Temporary Accommodation Assistance on the Work and Income website.