Supported Living Payment
Updated 2026 MSD rates. Supported Living Payment (SLP) is a weekly payment from Work and Income for people who have a permanent health condition, disability, or blindness that significantly limits their ability to work. It is also available to people who are caring full-time for someone who would otherwise need hospital-level or residential care.
Who Can Get It
You may qualify for SLP if you meet one of these two pathways:
Pathway 1 — Health Condition or Disability
- You have a permanent health condition, disability, or blindness that stops you from working 15 or more hours per week.
- The condition is expected to last at least 2 years (or is permanent).
- You are unable to regularly work in the open labour market.
- Medical evidence from your doctor is required.
Pathway 2 — Caring for Someone
- You are caring full-time for a person who would otherwise need hospital-level or residential care.
- The care is provided in your own home (or the person's home).
- You are not paid for this care by another source (e.g., ACC).
Weekly Rates (April 2026)
| Situation | Net Weekly Rate (NZ$) |
|---|---|
| Single 18+ | $414.82 |
| Single, living at home (18+) | $361.12 |
| Partnered, each person | $347.60 |
| Sole parent (SLP — care of another) | $414.82 |
Additional Support
SLP recipients may also qualify for:
- Disability Allowance — Up to $73.48 per week for ongoing disability-related costs (visits to specialists, medications, transport).
- Accommodation Supplement — Help with rent, board, or mortgage costs.
- Temporary Additional Support — Extra help if you have high essential costs.
- Winter Energy Payment — Automatic if you receive SLP (paid June to September).
How to Apply
- Apply online via MyMSD for Supported Living Payment.
- Provide a medical certificate from your doctor detailing your condition and its impact on your ability to work.
- For the caring pathway, provide details of the person you care for and a medical certificate confirming their care needs.
- Attend an interview with Work and Income.
Work Obligations
SLP recipients generally have no work obligations. However, if you are assessed as having some work capacity (e.g., can work up to 15 hours per week), voluntary part-time work is encouraged. The abatement-free threshold is generous to support this.
Abatement
You can earn up to $160 per week (before tax) before your SLP reduces. After that, the reduction rate is 30 cents per dollar earned (after tax).