Accommodation Supplement
Updated 2026 MSD rates. The Accommodation Supplement is a weekly payment from Work and Income to help with your housing costs — whether you rent, board, or have a mortgage. It is available to people on a benefit or on a low income.
Eligibility
You may qualify if:
- You are on a main benefit or have a low income (including working families).
- You pay rent, board, or have a mortgage on your home.
- You live in New Zealand and are a citizen or permanent resident.
- Your accommodation costs are more than the entry threshold for your area.
- Your cash assets are below the limit ($8,100 for a single person with or without children, or $16,200 for a couple).
Maximum Weekly Rates by Area (April 2026)
New Zealand is divided into four areas, with Area 1 having the highest housing costs:
| Area | Single (no children) | Single with 1+ children | Couple (no children) | Couple with 1+ children |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Area 1 — Central Auckland, inner Wellington, Queenstown | $355 | $435 | $365 | $435 |
| Area 2 — Rest of Auckland, Wellington, Hamilton, Tauranga, Christchurch | $290 | $380 | $300 | $380 |
| Area 3 — Other cities and large towns | $240 | $310 | $250 | $310 |
| Area 4 — Provincial areas, small towns, rural | $180 | $245 | $190 | $245 |
Note: The amount you actually receive depends on your income, accommodation costs, and family situation. It is not automatically the maximum rate.
Entry Thresholds
Your rent, board, or mortgage payments must be above these thresholds before the Accommodation Supplement kicks in:
- Area 1: $103 per week (single) or $138 per week (couple/family).
- Area 2: $86 per week (single) or $115 per week (couple/family).
- Area 3: $69 per week (single) or $92 per week (couple/family).
- Area 4: $52 per week (single) or $69 per week (couple/family).
How Much You Get
The supplement covers 70% of your eligible housing costs above the entry threshold, up to the maximum rate for your area. It is not taxable and does not count as income for other benefits.
How to Apply
If you are already on a main benefit, the Accommodation Supplement is usually assessed when you apply for your benefit. You can also apply as a non-beneficiary (low-income worker) through MyMSD or by visiting a Work and Income service centre.