Food
If you're on a low income and in urgent need, we may be able to help you with a one-off payment for food.
Talk to us first before you buy anything.
You don't have to pay the money back.
You could find yourself in a situation where you've had to pay for an essential cost that means you don’t have enough money to pay for food.
Maybe you’ve had to pay for:
- a doctor's appointment
- dental treatment
- school clothes or materials for your child.
You may also find that you have less income this week because:
- you’ve been off work due to sickness but you’re not eligible for sick pay
- your hours are reduced unexpectedly.
Who can get it
Whatever your situation, we may be able to help if you:
- are 16 or over (if you're 16-18 and have a Youth Service provider, contact Youth Services)
- are a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident
- normally live in New Zealand and intend to stay here
- have an urgent and immediate need to buy food
- have no other way to pay for food eg, no money in the bank and no cash assets.
It also depends on how much you and your partner (if you have one) earn.
Your income will be assessed either weekly or yearly, depending on the kind of help you qualify for. These income limits usually apply:
Income limits
| If you are: | Weekly income before tax is less than |
|---|---|
| Single, 16-17 years | $825.30 |
| Single, 18+ years | $948.50 |
| Couple (with or without children) | $1,377.69 |
| Sole parent (1 child) | $1,150.97 |
| Sole parent (2+ children) | $1,212.61 |
What you can get
How much you get depends on your situation.
You can only use the money for food and essential grocery items, e.g. toiletries. You can’t get other things, e.g. alcohol, cigarettes, gift cards, vouchers, etc.
How to apply
You can call us to discuss your situation. We might be able to grant your request over the phone, otherwise you'll need to come in and see us.
What happens next
If your application is approved, we’ll give you a payment card (if you don’t already have one) and load the money onto it.
Find out more about payment cards and how to use them: