Ministry of Social Development update

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From 1 April 2020 all main benefits will increase by $25 per week. For couples, the increase will be $25 in total.

This increase to the after-tax rate will apply to:

This is in addition to rate changes on 1 April.

This increase in your benefit payment may affect some of your other payments such as Temporary Additional Support, Accommodation Supplement and Childcare Assistance.

The total amount you get from us will not be less than what you were getting before 1 April.

Payments will begin on 1 May 2020 and on 1 October 2020.

Single people with no dependent children - $40.91 a week

Couples, and people with dependent children - $63.64 a week

For those who are struggling to meet urgent and essential family and whānau costs, there might be help available from Work and Income.

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During these challenging times, some people in our communities may need extra help to access the things they need during self-isolation, like food and medicines.

For people who have an urgent need for essential supplies, and they don’t have the means or transport to get it themselves, they can contact their local Civil Defence and Emergency Group (CDEM) for help.

The service operates 7 days a week from 7am to 7pm.

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