Entitlements – Asylum Seekers Support Trust

Financial Support for People Seeking Asylum in New Zealand

You Are Not Alone

If you are seeking asylum in New Zealand, it can be difficult to understand what support you may be able to get.

Many people we support are going through a very uncertain time. You may not have income, stable housing, or access to basic services. The system can feel confusing.

At the Asylum Seekers Support Trust (ASST), we are here to help you understand your options and support you through the process.❤️

What support may be available

Depending on your situation, you may be able to get support through Work and Income New Zealand (WINZ).

This depends on your visa status, your refugee or protection claim, and your financial situation.

Emergency Benefit

If you are seeking asylum, you may be able to apply for an Emergency Benefit.

This may apply if you:

Emergency Benefit is usually considered under Section 205 of the Social Security Act 2018, which allows support for people who are lawfully in New Zealand but not otherwise eligible for standard benefits. Each case is assessed individually. Approval is not automatic.

Temporary Additional Support

You may also be able to receive extra help to cover essential weekly costs.

This can support things like:

This support may also be considered alongside Emergency Benefit under the same legislation, depending on your situation.

Working for Families

Some families with children may be able to get Working for Families support.

If you are receiving a benefit from Work and Income, some Working for Families payments may be paid together with your WINZ payments. In other situations, they may be paid through Inland Revenue Department (IRD).

This can include payments such as:

Whether you can get this support depends on your personal circumstances, including your family situation, income, and immigration status.

Community Services Card

If you have applied for refugee or protection status, you may be able to get a Community Services Card.

This can help reduce the cost of:

Eligibility depends on your income.

Housing Support

Housing support depends on your situation.

People seeking asylum are generally not eligible for emergency housing through Work and Income New Zealand.

However, some people may be able to apply for public (social) housing if they meet the criteria, such as:

Eligibility is assessed on a case-by-case basis.

If you have nowhere safe to stay, please contact us as soon as possible. We can help explore your options and provide support where available.

Important to understand

Not everyone on a work visa or visitor visa will qualify for support.

However, if you have lodged a refugee or protection claim, your situation may be different.

This is why it is important to speak to someone before assuming you are not eligible.

What you may need when applying

When applying for support, WINZ may ask for:

Passport or ID
Visa or immigration status
Proof of refugee or protection claim (if applicable)
Bank statements
Proof of rent or accommodation
Details of your financial situation

If you do not have all documents, we can still guide you.

How ASST can help

We support people seeking asylum by:

Explaining what support may be available

helping you prepare for WINZ appointments

assisting with forms and documents

writing support letters

advocating on your behalf

providing food and emergency support

Please note

This information is general. Every situation is different.

Support is not guaranteed and depends on your personal circumstances.

Need help?

If you are seeking asylum and need support, please contact us.

We will do our best to guide you and support you.