Estimate your weekly Accommodation Supplement from Work and Income.
Weekly accommodation supplement (estimate)
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Maximum for zone and type
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Your accommodation cost
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Weekly income
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Income abatement
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Your breakdown
Updates live as you type
Item
Amount
How the Accommodation Supplement is calculated
Work and Income sets a weekly cost threshold for each combination of family type and zone. Accommodation costs above that threshold are partially covered: 70% of the excess is paid as the supplement, up to a zone and family maximum. For example, if the threshold is $200 per week and your rent is $350, the excess is $150, and 70% of that is $105, which becomes your supplement if it is within the maximum. If your supplement would be higher than the zone maximum, you receive only the maximum. The supplement is then reduced if your income exceeds the applicable income threshold for your family type.
Zone maximums as a guide
Zone maximums for 2025 are indicative and subject to change. Zone 1 (Wellington, Queenstown, and similar high-cost areas) single person maximum is approximately $305 per week. Zone 2 (Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga) single person maximum is approximately $265 per week. Zone 3 (Christchurch, Dunedin) is approximately $230 per week. Zone 4 (provincial and rural areas) is approximately $175 per week. Family and couple maximums are higher. This calculator uses these indicative figures; contact Work and Income for your exact entitlement.
How to apply
Applications are made through Work and Income at workandincome.govt.nz or in person at a local WINZ office. You will need to provide proof of identity, proof of accommodation costs (tenancy agreement or mortgage statement), and evidence of income. Processing times vary but are typically a few weeks. If you are already receiving another benefit, the Accommodation Supplement may be added automatically or you may need to request it. A change in your circumstances, such as a rent increase or a change in income, should be reported to Work and Income to have your supplement recalculated.
Frequently asked questions
Who can get the Accommodation Supplement?
The Accommodation Supplement is available to people who pay rent, board, or a mortgage and whose housing costs are high relative to their income. You must be a NZ resident aged 16 or over. You do not need to be on another benefit to receive the supplement, but it is income and asset tested. People on NZ Super, Jobseeker Support, or Sole Parent Support may also receive it on top of those payments.
How is the Accommodation Supplement amount calculated?
The supplement covers 70% of the accommodation costs that exceed your applicable accommodation cost threshold. The applicable threshold and maximum payment depend on your family type (single, couple, or family with children) and the zone you live in. New Zealand is divided into four accommodation zones, with Zone 1 covering Wellington, and Zone 4 covering most rural areas. Amounts are verified and updated periodically by Work and Income.
Does income affect the Accommodation Supplement?
Yes. The supplement abates as income rises. For single people, there is an income threshold above which the supplement reduces by 70 cents for every dollar of income over the threshold. For couples and families, the thresholds and abatement rates are different. This calculator uses a simplified model; actual amounts are determined by Work and Income and depend on your exact circumstances.
What counts as an accommodation cost?
Accommodation costs include rent paid to a landlord, board paid to a live-in landlord or family member, and mortgage payments (principal and interest) for owner-occupiers. The cost must be for your primary residence in New Zealand. Costs above the maximum amounts set for your zone and family type are not covered beyond the maximum weekly supplement.