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Ministry of Social Development | Te Manatū Whakahiato Ora
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  1. Home
  2. In study
  3. Urgent or unexpected costs
  4. Whiteware (eg, fridge, freezer, washing machine)

In study

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    • Whiteware (eg, fridge, freezer, washing machine)
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  • Income
  • Study details

Whiteware (eg, fridge, freezer, washing machine)

If you're on a low income, we may be able to help you buy a new fridge, freezer, combined fridge-freezer or washing machine.

Important information

You'll have to pay the money back.

You may get 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 immediate or essential need.

It also depends on:

  • how much you and your partner earn
  • any money or assets you and your partner have.

Your income will be assessed either weekly or yearly, depending on the kind of help you qualify for. These income and asset limits usually apply:

Income limits

If you are: Weekly income before tax is less than
Single, 16-17 years $737.86
Single, 18+ years $848
Couple (with or without children) $1,231.72
Sole parent (1 child) $1,029.02
Sole parent (2+ children) $1,084.13

Asset limits

These don't include what you need for day-to-day living, eg your home or your car. They do include money in the bank, or things like a caravan or a second property.

If you are: Your assets are worth less than
single $1,193.21
married, civil union or de facto couple (with or without children) or sole parent $1,988.20

We have an arrangement with Fisher and Paykel to provide whiteware products and services. If your application with us is approved, we'll help you buy a brand new product with a 2-year warranty.

Fisher and Paykel will:

  • deliver and install the product
  • remove any packaging
  • remove the old product.

They can also repair or replace any product, if needed, while it's under warranty.

If you live with immediate family or you're in a recognised relationship, the size of the product you get depends on how many dependents you have in your care.

Number of dependents Size of product
1-2 Small
3-4 Medium
5 + Large

Call us to set up an appointment. You'll need to tell us the measurements of the space where the product will go so we can make sure it will fit. We'll let you know what else you'll need to bring.

If your application is approved, we'll pay the money directly to Fisher and Paykel.

Fisher and Paykel will contact you to arrange a time to deliver the product.

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