Accommodation Benefit rates
Weekly payment rates for Accommodation Benefit.
How much you get for the Accommodation Benefit depends on your situation.
- If you're studying on campus, or overseas, it's based on where your New Zealand education provider is.
- If you're studying extramurally, it's based on where you live in New Zealand.
- If you're a sole parent, it depends on your accommodation costs, income and cash assets.
Live in a hostel
If you currently live in a hostel, you can get as much as $60 a week, depending on what hostel you live in. We won't pay for your lump sum hostel or hall of residence costs.
Find your rate
Important information
In 2025, all cities and district council areas (Territorial Authority) will pay the maximum weekly Accommodation Benefit rate of $60.
Select the 'North Island' or 'South Island' option. Then find your city or district council area (Territorial Authority) to see what your rate will be.
If you're a sole parent, we use a different calculation to work out your rate. Select the 'Sole parent' option below.