Extra help

Student Allowance

If you’re getting a Student Allowance, you may be able to get an Accommodation Benefit. We'll pay it to you automatically with your Student Allowance.

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Rent, board or owning a home

If you're on a low income, or getting Jobseeker Support Student Hardship or another benefit, you may be able to get an Accommodation Supplement.

You won't be able to get this if you can't get a Student Allowance because:

• your income is too high
• your parents' income is too high
• your partner's income is too high.

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You're 16-17

Your parents may be able to get an Away from Home allowance from Work and Income if:

• you're 16 or 17
• you can’t get a Student Allowance
• you’re living away from home.

Pre-school childcare

We may be able to help with some of the costs of childcare if your child hasn't started school yet.

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Once your child starts school

We may be able to help with childcare costs if you need to put your child into before-school or after-school care, or holiday programmes. We may also be able to help if your child is under 18 and you have a Child Disability Allowance.

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Early childcare education

If you have children aged 3-5 who go to early childcare education, you may be able to get up to 20 hours ECE from the Ministry of Education.

Costs if you, your partner or child have a disability or illness

If you, your partner or your child have a cost directly related to a disability or illness, we may be able to help with:

• counselling
• prescriptions
• doctor's visits
• special foods (eg, gluten free dietary requirements).

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Caring for a child with a disability

If you’re caring for a child with a health condition or disability, we may be able to help.

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Community Services Card

The Community Services Card can help you and your family with the costs of health care. You'll pay less on some health services and prescriptions simply by showing your card.