Temporary Additional Support (TAS)

Updated 2026 MSD rates. Temporary Additional Support (TAS) is a short-term payment from Work and Income for people who are on a low income or benefit and still cannot meet their essential living costs after receiving all other assistance they qualify for.

Who Can Get It

To qualify for TAS, you must:

Be receiving a main benefit or be on a low income.
Already be receiving any other assistance you are entitled to (e.g., Accommodation Supplement, Disability Allowance).
Have essential costs (housing, electricity, food, medical expenses) that exceed your available income plus any other assistance.
Have cash assets under $2,700 (or $5,400 if you are 65 or over).

How Much You Can Get

TAS covers up to 70% of the gap between your essential costs and your total available income (including benefits, other assistance, and any earnings). There is no fixed maximum rate — it depends on your individual circumstances.

You can receive TAS for a maximum of 13 weeks at a time. You can reapply if you still need help after that period.

What Counts as Essential Costs

Rent, board, or mortgage payments.
Electricity, gas, and water bills.
Food (based on standard costs).
Medical expenses (doctor visits, prescriptions, dental).
A minimum living allowance for other necessities.

How to Apply

Apply through MyMSD or talk to your Work and Income case manager.
Provide details of your income, expenses, and any other assistance you receive.
Show that you have applied for all other help you are entitled to (Accommodation Supplement, Disability Allowance, etc.).
Your application will be assessed based on a budget of your essential costs.

Important Notes

TAS is a temporary measure — it is not meant to be a long-term solution.
If your situation does not improve, you can reapply for another 13-week period.
Overpayments of TAS must be repaid to Work and Income.
TAS is not taxable and does not count as income for other assistance.

Other Hardship Assistance

Work and Income also offers Advance Payments of Benefit (interest-free loans) and Food Grants (one-off payments) for urgent needs. These are separate from TAS.