Plain language law

New Zealand law explained for everyone

We haven’t prepared a plain language version of this yet

We haven’t created a plain language version of this legislation yet. We’re working through New Zealand’s laws to make them more accessible to everyone, focusing on areas that impact the most people first.

If you’d like to see this particular legislation explained in plain language, please email us at hello@ackama.com with the subject “Plain language law” and mention this page — we’ll be happy to add it to our priority list.

Request a plain language version

4Rates of benefits Empowered by ss 17, 21, 38, 55, 62, 89, 165–168, 206, 282, 341, 370, 423, 442, 452, 453, Schedules 1, 2

1Jobseeker support

 

The following table is small in size and has 4 columns. The columns have no headings.
1 (a) To a single beneficiary under the age of 20 years who is— $268.13 a week, subject to Income Test 3
(i) living with a parent (as that term is defined in clause 8); and
(ii) whose benefit commenced on or after 1 July 1998
(b) To any other single beneficiary under the age of 25 years without dependent children (see clause 7) $314.72 a week, subject to Income Test 3
(c) To any other single beneficiary without dependent children and who was on 15 July 2013 transferred to jobseeker support by clause 2(9) and (11), or by clause 10(6) and (8), of Schedule 32 of the Social Security Act 1964 $372.93 a week, subject to Income Test 1
(d) To any other single beneficiary without dependent children $361.32 a week, subject to Income Test 3
(e) To any single beneficiary whose youngest dependent child is aged at least 14 years (including, without limitation, any such beneficiary who is a beneficiary of a kind specified in clause 4(a), (b), or (c), and see also MSD's discretion (to disregard specified income used to meet the cost of childcare) under clause 5) $505.80 a week, subject to Income Test 1
(f) To any other single beneficiary with 1 or more dependent children $505.80 a week, subject to Income Test 1
(g) To a beneficiary who is in a relationship whose spouse or partner is granted, in the spouse’s or partner’s own right, a main benefit under this Act (i) $307.42 a week subject to Income Test 4 if the beneficiary and his or her spouse or partner do not have 1 or more dependent children; or
(ii) $324.61 a week subject to Income Test 4 if the beneficiary and his or her spouse or partner have 1 or more dependent children
(h) To a beneficiary who is in a relationship whose spouse or partner is granted, in the spouse’s or partner’s own right, New Zealand superannuation or a veteran’s pension (i) $307.42 a week subject to Income Test 4 if the beneficiary and his or her spouse or partner do not have 1 or more dependent children; or
(ii) $324.61 a week subject to Income Test 4 if the beneficiary and his or her spouse or partner have 1 or more dependent children
(j) To a beneficiary who is in a relationship whose spouse or partner is not granted a main benefit under this Act, New Zealand superannuation, or a veteran’s pension, in the spouse’s or partner’s own right (i) $614.84 a week subject to Income Test 3 if the beneficiary and his or her spouse or partner do not have 1 or more dependent children; or
(ii) $649.22 a week subject to Income Test 3 if the beneficiary and his or her spouse or partner have 1 or more dependent children
2 Maximum increase in respect of a housekeeper $307.42 a week
3 Special rate of benefit (and a rate to be received by the person during the period of non-entitlement of the person’s spouse or partner) for a person who has a spouse or partner who is ineligible for a benefit for a period because of— (i) $307.42 a week subject to Income Test 4 if the beneficiary does not have 1 or more dependent children; or
(a) the application of sections 225 to 229 (which relate to voluntary unemployment or loss of employment through misconduct, etc); or (ii) $324.61 a week subject to Income Test 4 if the beneficiary has 1 or more dependent children
(b) the application of sections 234 to 238 (which relate to sanctions that may be imposed for failures to comply with work-test or other obligations and work-preparation interviews and exercises); or
(c) a strike, either by the spouse or partner, or by fellow members of the same union at the same place of employment
4 A single beneficiary whose youngest dependent child is aged at least 14 years, referred to in clause 1(e), includes, without limitation, any such beneficiary who is—
(a) a beneficiary who (as a person with a dependent child aged under 14 years) was on 15 July 2013 transferred by clause 2(6) and (8) of Schedule 32 of the Social Security Act 1964 to sole parent support that after 14 July 2013 and under section 20H(1) and (2) of that Act expired, and was replaced with jobseeker support that commenced, on the date that the beneficiary's youngest dependent child turned 14 years old; or
(b) a beneficiary who (as a person without a dependent child aged under 14 years) was on 15 July 2013 transferred to jobseeker support by clause 2(9) and (11) of Schedule 32 of the Social Security Act 1964; or
(c) a beneficiary whose entitlement to jobseeker support arose from applying for it, and being granted it, after 14 July 2013.
5 For the purposes of clause 1(e) and of clause 1(f), MSD may disregard up to $20 a week of the beneficiary’s personal earnings used to meet the cost of childcare for any of the beneficiary’s dependent children.
6 A person to whom section 30(e) (which relates to having lost the regular support of a spouse or partner who is subject to a sentence of imprisonment, etc) applies is treated as a single beneficiary for the purposes of clauses 1(e) and (f) and 4.
7 In this Part, dependent child (as defined in Schedule 2) excludes a child in respect of whom an orphan’s benefit or an unsupported child’s benefit is being paid.
8 In this Part, living with a parent, in relation to a person and a parent (which, in this definition, means a parent, a guardian, or a person acting as a parent),—
(a) means living in the same home as a parent of the person; but
(b) does not include a situation in which a person lives in the same home as a parent of the person if—
(i) the parent is financially dependent on the person; or
(ii) the person, at the person’s own expense, provides accommodation for the parent in the home; or
(iii) the person provides a substantial degree of care to the parent; or
(iv) the home is a hostel, boardinghouse, or similar lodging, and the person and the parent pay for accommodation in it.

    Notes
    • Schedule 4 Part 1 clause 1(a): amended, on , by clause 5 of the Social Security (Rates of Benefits and Allowances) Order 2025 (SL 2025/9).
    • Schedule 4 Part 1 clause 1(b): amended, on , by clause 5 of the Social Security (Rates of Benefits and Allowances) Order 2025 (SL 2025/9).
    • Schedule 4 Part 1 clause 1(c): amended, on , by clause 5 of the Social Security (Rates of Benefits and Allowances) Order 2025 (SL 2025/9).
    • Schedule 4 Part 1 clause 1(d): amended, on , by clause 5 of the Social Security (Rates of Benefits and Allowances) Order 2025 (SL 2025/9).
    • Schedule 4 Part 1 clause 1(e): amended, on , by clause 5 of the Social Security (Rates of Benefits and Allowances) Order 2025 (SL 2025/9).
    • Schedule 4 Part 1 clause 1(f): amended, on , by clause 5 of the Social Security (Rates of Benefits and Allowances) Order 2025 (SL 2025/9).
    • Schedule 4 Part 1 clause 1(g)(i): amended, on , by clause 5 of the Social Security (Rates of Benefits and Allowances) Order 2025 (SL 2025/9).
    • Schedule 4 Part 1 clause 1(g)(ii): amended, on , by clause 5 of the Social Security (Rates of Benefits and Allowances) Order 2025 (SL 2025/9).
    • Schedule 4 Part 1 clause 1(h): amended, on , by section 43(1) of the New Zealand Superannuation and Veteran’s Pension Legislation Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 36).
    • Schedule 4 Part 1 clause 1(h)(i): amended, on , by clause 5 of the Social Security (Rates of Benefits and Allowances) Order 2025 (SL 2025/9).
    • Schedule 4 Part 1 clause 1(h)(ii): amended, on , by clause 5 of the Social Security (Rates of Benefits and Allowances) Order 2025 (SL 2025/9).
    • Schedule 4 Part 1 clause 1(i): repealed, on , by section 43(2) of the New Zealand Superannuation and Veteran’s Pension Legislation Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 36).
    • Schedule 4 Part 1 clause 1(j)(i): amended, on , by clause 5 of the Social Security (Rates of Benefits and Allowances) Order 2025 (SL 2025/9).
    • Schedule 4 Part 1 clause 1(j)(ii): amended, on , by clause 5 of the Social Security (Rates of Benefits and Allowances) Order 2025 (SL 2025/9).
    • Schedule 4 Part 1 clause 2: amended, on , by clause 5 of the Social Security (Rates of Benefits and Allowances) Order 2025 (SL 2025/9).
    • Schedule 4 Part 1 clause 3(i): amended, on , by clause 5 of the Social Security (Rates of Benefits and Allowances) Order 2025 (SL 2025/9).
    • Schedule 4 Part 1 clause 3(ii): amended, on , by clause 5 of the Social Security (Rates of Benefits and Allowances) Order 2025 (SL 2025/9).
    • Schedule 4 Part 1 clause 6: amended, on , by section 10(1) of the Social Security (Subsequent Child Policy Removal) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 38).

    2Sole parent support

     

    The following table is small in size and has 2 columns. The columns have no headings.

  1. To a beneficiary with 1 or more dependent children: $505.80 a week, subject to Income Test 1.

      		1.

    1. For the purposes of clause 1, MSD may disregard up to $20 a week of the beneficiary's personal earnings used to meet the cost of childcare for any of the beneficiary's dependent children.

        		1.

      1. For the purposes of clause 1, MSD may treat all or any part of the income (including, without limitation, any pension or allowance under the Veterans' Support Act 2014) of the spouse or partner of an applicant to whom section 30(b) or (e) applies as if it were income derived by that applicant if MSD—
        1. has had regard to its nature and the means by which it was derived; and
          1. considers that treatment of it to be reasonable in the circumstances.

            		2.

          2. In this Part, dependent child (as defined in Schedule 2) excludes a child in respect of whom an orphan’s benefit or an unsupported child’s benefit is being paid.

              		1.

                Notes
                • Schedule 4 Part 2 clause 1: amended, on , by clause 5 of the Social Security (Rates of Benefits and Allowances) Order 2025 (SL 2025/9).
                • Schedule 4 Part 2 clause 3: amended, on , by section 10(2) of the Social Security (Subsequent Child Policy Removal) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 38).

                3Supported living payment

                 

                The following table is small in size and has 4 columns. The columns have no headings.
                1 (a) To a single beneficiary under the age of 18 years without dependent children $345.14 a week, subject to Income Test 1
                (b) To any other single beneficiary without dependent children $411.80 a week, subject to Income Test 1
                (c) To a single beneficiary with 1 or more dependent children $564.42 a week, subject to Income Test 1
                (d) To a beneficiary who is in a relationship, whose spouse or partner is granted, in the spouse’s or partner’s own right, a main benefit under this Act (i) $349.85 a week subject to Income Test 2 if the beneficiary and his or her spouse or partner do not have 1 or more dependent children; or
                (ii) $367.06 a week subject to Income Test 2 if the beneficiary and his or her spouse or partner have 1 or more dependent children
                (e) To a beneficiary who is in a relationship, whose spouse or partner is granted, in the spouse’s or partner’s own right, New Zealand superannuation or a veteran’s pension (i) $349.85 a week subject to Income Test 2 if the beneficiary and his or her spouse or partner do not have 1 or more dependent children; or
                (ii) $381.10 a week subject to Income Test 2 if the beneficiary and his or her spouse or partner have 1 or more dependent children
                (g) To a beneficiary receiving a supported living payment under section 34 on the ground of restricted work capacity or total blindness who is in a relationship, whose spouse or partner is not granted, in the spouse’s or partner’s own right, a main benefit under this Act or New Zealand superannuation or a veteran’s pension (i) $699.70 a week subject to Income Test 1 if the beneficiary and his or her spouse or partner do not have 1 or more dependent children; or
                (ii) $734.12 a week subject to Income Test 1 if the beneficiary and his or her spouse or partner have 1 or more dependent children
                (h) To a beneficiary receiving a supported living payment under section 40 on the ground of caring for another person, if the beneficiary is in a relationship, and the beneficiary’s spouse or partner is not granted, in the spouse’s or partner’s own right, a main benefit under this Act or New Zealand superannuation or a veteran’s pension (i) $349.85 a week subject to Income Test 1 if the beneficiary and his or her spouse or partner do not have 1 or more dependent children; or
                (ii) $381.10 a week subject to Income Test 1 if the beneficiary and his or her spouse or partner have 1 or more dependent children
                However, in computing the income of any beneficiary receiving a supported living payment under section 34 for the purpose of this schedule, MSD must—
                (a) disregard that part of the beneficiary's income (not exceeding $20 a week) earned by the beneficiary's own efforts; and
                (b) disregard all of the income of a totally blind beneficiary earned by the beneficiary’s own efforts.
                2 Maximum amount from all sources where subsidy (that is to say, an additional allowance under clause 3) is paid on earnings of a blind beneficiary, in every case $564.35 a week, increased by $73.05 a week if the beneficiary is a single person
                3 A person (P) who receives a supported living payment in respect of P’s total blindness and who is employed, is entitled to an additional allowance (subsidy) equal to 25% of P’s average earnings for the year.
                4 However, if payment of that additional allowance would result in the total amount P receives from all sources for P’s own use in any year, including the value of any benefits in kind, exceeding the appropriate amount specified in clause 2, the additional allowance—
                (a) must not be paid; or
                (b) must be paid at a reduced rate to avoid that result.
                5 A beneficiary who is in a relationship is entitled to be paid at half the appropriate rate in clause 1(d), (e), (g), or (h) and at half the abatement rate applying to that rate if the beneficiary—
                (a) has a psychiatric, intellectual, physical, or mental disability; and
                (b) is receiving long-term residential care in a hospital or rest home because of that disability; and
                (c) has not been means assessed under Part 6 of the Residential Care and Disability Support Services Act 2018.
                6 A supported living payment payable to the spouse or partner of a person to whom clause 5 applies is payable at the appropriate rate specified in clause 1(b) or (c) if that spouse or partner is not receiving long-term residential care in a hospital or rest home.
                7 Despite paragraphs (d), (e), and (g) of clause 1, the rate of a supported living payment on the ground of caring for another person under any of those paragraphs must not be less than the rates that would be payable if the beneficiary and the spouse or partner of the beneficiary were both entitled to receive the benefit on those grounds; but the rate of benefit payable by virtue of this clause must not exceed—
                (a) $349.85 a week if the beneficiary and the spouse or partner of the beneficiary have no dependent children; or
                (b) $381.10 a week if the beneficiary and the spouse or partner of the beneficiary have 1 or more dependent children.
                8 In this Part, dependent child (as defined in Schedule 2) excludes a child in respect of whom an orphan’s benefit or an unsupported child’s benefit is being paid.

                  Notes
                  • Schedule 4 Part 3 clause 1(a): amended, on , by clause 5 of the Social Security (Rates of Benefits and Allowances) Order 2025 (SL 2025/9).
                  • Schedule 4 Part 3 clause 1(b): amended, on , by clause 5 of the Social Security (Rates of Benefits and Allowances) Order 2025 (SL 2025/9).
                  • Schedule 4 Part 3 clause 1(c): amended, on , by clause 5 of the Social Security (Rates of Benefits and Allowances) Order 2025 (SL 2025/9).
                  • Schedule 4 Part 3 clause 1(d)(i): amended, on , by clause 5 of the Social Security (Rates of Benefits and Allowances) Order 2025 (SL 2025/9).
                  • Schedule 4 Part 3 clause 1(d)(ii): amended, on , by clause 5 of the Social Security (Rates of Benefits and Allowances) Order 2025 (SL 2025/9).
                  • Schedule 4 Part 3 clause 1(e): amended, on , by section 43(3) of the New Zealand Superannuation and Veteran’s Pension Legislation Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 36).
                  • Schedule 4 Part 3 clause 1(e)(i): amended, on , by clause 5 of the Social Security (Rates of Benefits and Allowances) Order 2025 (SL 2025/9).
                  • Schedule 4 Part 3 clause 1(e)(ii): amended, on , by clause 5 of the Social Security (Rates of Benefits and Allowances) Order 2025 (SL 2025/9).
                  • Schedule 4 Part 3 clause 1(f): repealed, on , by section 43(4) of the New Zealand Superannuation and Veteran’s Pension Legislation Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 36).
                  • Schedule 4 Part 3 clause 1(g)(i): amended, on , by clause 5 of the Social Security (Rates of Benefits and Allowances) Order 2025 (SL 2025/9).
                  • Schedule 4 Part 3 clause 1(g)(ii): amended, on , by clause 5 of the Social Security (Rates of Benefits and Allowances) Order 2025 (SL 2025/9).
                  • Schedule 4 Part 3 clause 1(h)(i): amended, on , by clause 5 of the Social Security (Rates of Benefits and Allowances) Order 2025 (SL 2025/9).
                  • Schedule 4 Part 3 clause 1(h)(ii): amended, on , by clause 5 of the Social Security (Rates of Benefits and Allowances) Order 2025 (SL 2025/9).
                  • Schedule 4 Part 3 clause 2: amended, on , by clause 5 of the Social Security (Rates of Benefits and Allowances) Order 2025 (SL 2025/9).
                  • Schedule 4 Part 3 clause 2: amended, on , by clause 4 of the Social Security (Rates of Benefits and Allowances) Order (No 2) 2022 (SL 2022/67).
                  • Schedule 4 Part 3 clause 5: amended, on , by section 43(5) of the New Zealand Superannuation and Veteran’s Pension Legislation Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 36).
                  • Schedule 4 Part 3 clause 7: amended, on , by section 43(6) of the New Zealand Superannuation and Veteran’s Pension Legislation Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 36).
                  • Schedule 4 Part 3 clause 7(a): amended, on , by clause 5 of the Social Security (Rates of Benefits and Allowances) Order 2025 (SL 2025/9).
                  • Schedule 4 Part 3 clause 7(b): amended, on , by clause 5 of the Social Security (Rates of Benefits and Allowances) Order 2025 (SL 2025/9).

                  4Orphan’s benefit

                   

                  The following table is small in size and contains 4 columns. The columns have no headings.
                  1 (a) In respect of a child aged 14 years or over $340.01 a week
                  (b) In respect of a child aged over 10 years and under 14 years $317.30 a week
                  (c) In respect of a child aged over 5 years and under 10 years $294.47 a week
                  (d) In respect of a child aged under 5 years $292.44 a week
                  2 The amount specified in clause 1 must be diminished by $1 for every complete $1 of the annual income of the child (other than personal earnings of the child) in excess of 50% of the appropriate amount specified under that clause.
                  Allowances
                  3 The following allowances in respect of the child:
                  (a) on and after 1 July 2018, a clothing allowance; and
                  (b) on and after 1 December 2021, an annual holiday allowance; and
                  (c) on and after 1 December 2021, a birthday allowance for the child’s birthday in 2022 and every year after that.
                  4 The allowances are in the same amount or at the same rate as the rates of payment determined under section 363(1) of the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989 for—
                  (a) any clothing allowance:
                  (b) any Christmas allowance (or any subsequent annual holiday allowance):
                  (c) any birthday allowance.
                  5 The allowances are in addition to the applicable rate in clause 1.
                  When caregiver is entitled to and paid holiday allowance
                  6 A person is entitled to the holiday allowance if the person is entitled to the orphan’s benefit for the child on 25 December.
                  7 The holiday allowance is payable before 25 December to a person whom MSD expects to be entitled to that allowance.
                  8 Payment of the holiday allowance before 25 December is subject to the condition that the person is liable to repay the whole of the allowance if the person is not entitled to the allowance on 25 December.
                  When caregiver is entitled to and paid birthday allowance
                  9 A person is entitled to the birthday allowance if the person is entitled to the orphan’s benefit for the child on the entitlement date.
                  10 The entitlement date for the birthday allowance is the date of the child’s birthday.
                  11 However, 1 March is the entitlement date for a birthday that occurs, or would otherwise occur, on 29 February.
                  12 The birthday allowance is payable before the entitlement date to a person whom MSD expects to be entitled to that allowance.
                  13 Payment of the birthday allowance before the entitlement date is subject to the condition that the person is liable to repay the whole of the allowance if the person is not entitled to the allowance on that date.
                  Effect of section 329
                  14 For the purposes of this Part, a person is considered to be entitled to the orphan’s benefit for the child if the person is being paid that benefit for the child under section 329(b).

                    Notes
                    • Schedule 4 Part 4 clause 1(a): amended, on , by clause 5 of the Social Security (Rates of Benefits and Allowances) Order 2025 (SL 2025/9).
                    • Schedule 4 Part 4 clause 1(b): amended, on , by clause 5 of the Social Security (Rates of Benefits and Allowances) Order 2025 (SL 2025/9).
                    • Schedule 4 Part 4 clause 1(c): amended, on , by clause 5 of the Social Security (Rates of Benefits and Allowances) Order 2025 (SL 2025/9).
                    • Schedule 4 Part 4 clause 1(d): amended, on , by clause 5 of the Social Security (Rates of Benefits and Allowances) Order 2025 (SL 2025/9).
                    • Schedule 4 Part 4 clause 3 heading: inserted, on , by section 7(1) of the Social Security (Financial Assistance for Caregivers) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 25).
                    • Schedule 4 Part 4 clause 3: replaced, on , by section 7(1) of the Social Security (Financial Assistance for Caregivers) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 25).
                    • Schedule 4 Part 4 clause 4: inserted, on , by section 7(1) of the Social Security (Financial Assistance for Caregivers) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 25).
                    • Schedule 4 Part 4 clause 5: inserted, on , by section 7(1) of the Social Security (Financial Assistance for Caregivers) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 25).
                    • Schedule 4 Part 4 clause 6 heading: inserted, on , by section 7(1) of the Social Security (Financial Assistance for Caregivers) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 25).
                    • Schedule 4 Part 4 clause 6: inserted, on , by section 7(1) of the Social Security (Financial Assistance for Caregivers) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 25).
                    • Schedule 4 Part 4 clause 7: inserted, on , by section 7(1) of the Social Security (Financial Assistance for Caregivers) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 25).
                    • Schedule 4 Part 4 clause 8: inserted, on , by section 7(1) of the Social Security (Financial Assistance for Caregivers) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 25).
                    • Schedule 4 Part 4 clause 9 heading: inserted, on , by section 7(1) of the Social Security (Financial Assistance for Caregivers) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 25).
                    • Schedule 4 Part 4 clause 9: inserted, on , by section 7(1) of the Social Security (Financial Assistance for Caregivers) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 25).
                    • Schedule 4 Part 4 clause 10: inserted, on , by section 7(1) of the Social Security (Financial Assistance for Caregivers) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 25).
                    • Schedule 4 Part 4 clause 11: inserted, on , by section 7(1) of the Social Security (Financial Assistance for Caregivers) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 25).
                    • Schedule 4 Part 4 clause 12: inserted, on , by section 7(1) of the Social Security (Financial Assistance for Caregivers) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 25).
                    • Schedule 4 Part 4 clause 13: inserted, on , by section 7(1) of the Social Security (Financial Assistance for Caregivers) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 25).
                    • Schedule 4 Part 4 clause 14 heading: inserted, on , by section 7(1) of the Social Security (Financial Assistance for Caregivers) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 25).
                    • Schedule 4 Part 4 clause 14: inserted, on , by section 7(1) of the Social Security (Financial Assistance for Caregivers) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 25).

                    5Unsupported child’s benefit

                     

                    The following table is small in size and contains 4 columns. The columns have no headings.
                    1 (a) In respect of a child aged 14 years or over $340.01 a week
                    (b) In respect of a child aged over 10 years and under 14 years $317.30 a week
                    (c) In respect of a child aged over 5 years and under 10 years $294.47 a week
                    (d) In respect of a child aged under 5 years $292.44 a week
                    2 The amount specified in clause 1 must be diminished by $1 for every complete $1 of the annual income of the child (other than personal earnings of the child) in excess of 50% of the appropriate amount specified under that clause.
                    Allowances
                    3 The following allowances in respect of the child:
                    (a) on and after 1 July 2018, a clothing allowance; and
                    (b) on and after 1 December 2021, an annual holiday allowance; and
                    (c) on and after 1 December 2021, a birthday allowance for the child’s birthday in 2022 and every year after that.
                    4 The allowances are in the same amount or at the same rate as the rates of payment determined under section 363(1) of the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989 for—
                    (a) any clothing allowance:
                    (b) any Christmas allowance (or any subsequent annual holiday allowance):
                    (c) any birthday allowance.
                    5 The allowances are in addition to the applicable rate in clause 1.
                    When caregiver is entitled to and paid holiday allowance
                    6 A person is entitled to the holiday allowance if the person is entitled to the unsupported child’s benefit for the child on 25 December.
                    7 The holiday allowance is payable before 25 December to a person whom MSD expects to be entitled to that allowance.
                    8 Payment of the holiday allowance before 25 December is subject to the condition that the person is liable to repay the whole of the allowance if the person is not entitled to the allowance on 25 December.
                    When caregiver is entitled to and paid birthday allowance
                    9 A person is entitled to the birthday allowance if the person is entitled to the unsupported child’s benefit for the child on the entitlement date.
                    10 The entitlement date for the birthday allowance is the date of the child’s birthday.
                    11 However, 1 March is the entitlement date for a birthday that occurs, or would otherwise occur, on 29 February.
                    12 The birthday allowance is payable before the entitlement date to a person whom MSD expects to be entitled to that allowance.
                    13 Payment of the birthday allowance before the entitlement date is subject to the condition that the person is liable to repay the whole of the allowance if the person is not entitled to the allowance on that date.
                    Effect of section 329
                    14 For the purposes of this Part, a person is considered to be entitled to the unsupported child’s benefit for the child if the person is being paid that benefit for the child under section 329(b).

                      Notes
                      • Schedule 4 Part 5 clause 1(a): amended, on , by clause 5 of the Social Security (Rates of Benefits and Allowances) Order 2025 (SL 2025/9).
                      • Schedule 4 Part 5 clause 1(b): amended, on , by clause 5 of the Social Security (Rates of Benefits and Allowances) Order 2025 (SL 2025/9).
                      • Schedule 4 Part 5 clause 1(c): amended, on , by clause 5 of the Social Security (Rates of Benefits and Allowances) Order 2025 (SL 2025/9).
                      • Schedule 4 Part 5 clause 1(d): amended, on , by clause 5 of the Social Security (Rates of Benefits and Allowances) Order 2025 (SL 2025/9).
                      • Schedule 4 Part 5 clause 3 heading: inserted, on , by section 7(2) of the Social Security (Financial Assistance for Caregivers) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 25).
                      • Schedule 4 Part 5 clause 3: replaced, on , by section 7(2) of the Social Security (Financial Assistance for Caregivers) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 25).
                      • Schedule 4 Part 5 clause 4: inserted, on , by section 7(2) of the Social Security (Financial Assistance for Caregivers) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 25).
                      • Schedule 4 Part 5 clause 5: inserted, on , by section 7(2) of the Social Security (Financial Assistance for Caregivers) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 25).
                      • Schedule 4 Part 5 clause 6 heading: inserted, on , by section 7(2) of the Social Security (Financial Assistance for Caregivers) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 25).
                      • Schedule 4 Part 5 clause 6: inserted, on , by section 7(2) of the Social Security (Financial Assistance for Caregivers) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 25).
                      • Schedule 4 Part 5 clause 7: inserted, on , by section 7(2) of the Social Security (Financial Assistance for Caregivers) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 25).
                      • Schedule 4 Part 5 clause 8: inserted, on , by section 7(2) of the Social Security (Financial Assistance for Caregivers) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 25).
                      • Schedule 4 Part 5 clause 9 heading: inserted, on , by section 7(2) of the Social Security (Financial Assistance for Caregivers) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 25).
                      • Schedule 4 Part 5 clause 9: inserted, on , by section 7(2) of the Social Security (Financial Assistance for Caregivers) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 25).
                      • Schedule 4 Part 5 clause 10: inserted, on , by section 7(2) of the Social Security (Financial Assistance for Caregivers) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 25).
                      • Schedule 4 Part 5 clause 11: inserted, on , by section 7(2) of the Social Security (Financial Assistance for Caregivers) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 25).
                      • Schedule 4 Part 5 clause 12: inserted, on , by section 7(2) of the Social Security (Financial Assistance for Caregivers) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 25).
                      • Schedule 4 Part 5 clause 13: inserted, on , by section 7(2) of the Social Security (Financial Assistance for Caregivers) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 25).
                      • Schedule 4 Part 5 clause 14 heading: inserted, on , by section 7(2) of the Social Security (Financial Assistance for Caregivers) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 25).
                      • Schedule 4 Part 5 clause 14: inserted, on , by section 7(2) of the Social Security (Financial Assistance for Caregivers) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 25).

                      6Rates and component of youth payment and young parent payment, and criteria for incentive payments

                      1Rates of youth payment and young parent payment

                      The following table is small in size and has 3 columns. The columns have no headings.

                    1. For a single young person without dependent children

                        		1.  $314.72 a week subject to clauses 11 and 11A

                      1. For a single young person who—

                          		1.  $291.79 a week subject to clauses 11 and 11A

                        1. For any other single young person with a dependent child or children

                            		1.  $505.80 a week subject to clauses 11 and 11A

                          1. For a young person who is in a relationship and is without dependent children

                              		1.  $307.42 a week subject to clauses 12 and 12A

                            1. For a young person who is in a relationship and has a dependent child or children

                                		1.  (a) $324.61 a week subject to clauses 12 and 12A if the young person’s spouse or partner is not receiving a main benefit under this Act; or
                                (b) $324.61 a week subject to clauses 12 and 12A if the young person’s spouse or partner is receiving a main benefit under this Act

                              1. In this Part, dependent child (as defined in Schedule 2) excludes a child in respect of whom an orphan’s benefit or an unsupported child’s benefit is being paid.

                                  		1.

                                  2Component

                                  The following table is small in size and has 2 columns. The columns have no headings.

                                1. Maximum amount of in-hand allowance

                                    		1.  $50 a week

                                    3Rates of incentive payments

                                    The following table is small in size and has 3 columns. The columns have no headings.

                                  1. Education, training, or work-based learning incentive

                                      		1.  $10 a week

                                    1. Budgeting incentive

                                        		1.  $10 a week

                                      1. Parenting education incentive

                                          		1.  $10 a week

                                          4Abatement rates and income limits

                                          The following table is small in size and has 2 columns. The columns have no headings.

                                        1. The applicable rate of youth payment or young parent payment in clause 1, 2, or 3 must be reduced by $1 for every $1 of the young person’s weekly income (excluding any 1 or more information share child support payments) that exceeds $276.11, but no amount of youth payment or young parent payment or incentive payment is payable if the young person’s weekly income (excluding any 1 or more information share child support payments) exceeds $326.11.

                                            		1.

                                          1. If, after complying with clause 11, an amount of youth payment or young parent payment or incentive payment is payable, the applicable rate of youth payment or young parent payment in clause 1, 2, or 3 must also be reduced by $1 for every $1 of any of the young person’s relevant weekly income (as defined in clause 11B).

                                              		1.

                                            1. In clause 11A, the young person’s relevant weekly income means their weekly income—

                                                		1.

                                              1. The applicable rate of youth payment or young parent payment in clause 4 or 5 must be reduced by 50 cents for every $1 of the combined weekly income of the young person and the young person’s spouse or partner (excluding any 1 or more information share child support payments) that exceeds $276.11, but no amount of youth payment or young parent payment or incentive payment is payable if that combined weekly income (excluding any 1 or more information share child support payments) exceeds $376.11.

                                                  		1.

                                                1. If, after complying with clause 12, an amount of youth payment or young parent payment or incentive payment is payable, the applicable rate of youth payment or young parent payment in clause 4 or 5 must also be reduced by 50 cents for every $1 of the relevant combined weekly income of the young person and the young person’s spouse or partner (as defined in clause 12B) that exceeds $276.11.

                                                    		1.

                                                  1. In clause 12A, the relevant combined weekly income of the young person and the young person’s spouse or partner means their combined weekly income—

                                                      		1.

                                                    1. For the purposes of clause 11, 11A, 12, or 12A and a rate of young parent payment, MSD may disregard up to $20 a week of the personal earnings of the young person (excluding any that are the young person’s weekly income that is 1 or more information share child support payments) used to meet the costs of childcare for any of the person’s dependent children (see clause 6).

                                                        		1.
                                                        Notes
                                                        • Schedule 4 Part 6 clause 1: amended, on , by clause 5 of the Social Security (Rates of Benefits and Allowances) Order 2025 (SL 2025/9).
                                                        • Schedule 4 Part 6 clause 1: amended, on , by section 49(1) of the Child Support (Pass On) Acts Amendment Act 2023 (2023 No 27).
                                                        • Schedule 4 Part 6 clause 2: amended, on , by clause 5 of the Social Security (Rates of Benefits and Allowances) Order 2025 (SL 2025/9).
                                                        • Schedule 4 Part 6 clause 2: amended, on , by section 49(1) of the Child Support (Pass On) Acts Amendment Act 2023 (2023 No 27).
                                                        • Schedule 4 Part 6 clause 3: amended, on , by clause 5 of the Social Security (Rates of Benefits and Allowances) Order 2025 (SL 2025/9).
                                                        • Schedule 4 Part 6 clause 3: amended, on , by section 49(1) of the Child Support (Pass On) Acts Amendment Act 2023 (2023 No 27).
                                                        • Schedule 4 Part 6 clause 4: amended, on , by clause 5 of the Social Security (Rates of Benefits and Allowances) Order 2025 (SL 2025/9).
                                                        • Schedule 4 Part 6 clause 4: amended, on , by section 49(2) of the Child Support (Pass On) Acts Amendment Act 2023 (2023 No 27).
                                                        • Schedule 4 Part 6 clause 5(a): amended, on , by clause 5 of the Social Security (Rates of Benefits and Allowances) Order 2025 (SL 2025/9).
                                                        • Schedule 4 Part 6 clause 5(a): amended, on , by section 49(2) of the Child Support (Pass On) Acts Amendment Act 2023 (2023 No 27).
                                                        • Schedule 4 Part 6 clause 5(b): amended, on , by clause 5 of the Social Security (Rates of Benefits and Allowances) Order 2025 (SL 2025/9).
                                                        • Schedule 4 Part 6 clause 5(b): amended, on , by section 49(2) of the Child Support (Pass On) Acts Amendment Act 2023 (2023 No 27).
                                                        • Schedule 4 Part 6 clause 11: replaced, on , by section 49(3) of the Child Support (Pass On) Acts Amendment Act 2023 (2023 No 27).
                                                        • Schedule 4 Part 6 clause 11: amended, on , by clause 7(1) of the Social Security (Rates of Benefits and Allowances) Order 2025 (SL 2025/9).
                                                        • Schedule 4 Part 6 clause 11A: inserted, on , by section 49(3) of the Child Support (Pass On) Acts Amendment Act 2023 (2023 No 27).
                                                        • Schedule 4 Part 6 clause 11B: inserted, on , by section 49(3) of the Child Support (Pass On) Acts Amendment Act 2023 (2023 No 27).
                                                        • Schedule 4 Part 6 clause 11B: amended, on , by clause 7(1) of the Social Security (Rates of Benefits and Allowances) Order 2025 (SL 2025/9).
                                                        • Schedule 4 Part 6 clause 12: replaced, on , by section 49(3) of the Child Support (Pass On) Acts Amendment Act 2023 (2023 No 27).
                                                        • Schedule 4 Part 6 clause 12: amended, on , by clause 7(1) of the Social Security (Rates of Benefits and Allowances) Order 2025 (SL 2025/9).
                                                        • Schedule 4 Part 6 clause 12A: inserted, on , by section 49(3) of the Child Support (Pass On) Acts Amendment Act 2023 (2023 No 27).
                                                        • Schedule 4 Part 6 clause 12A: amended, on , by clause 7(1) of the Social Security (Rates of Benefits and Allowances) Order 2025 (SL 2025/9).
                                                        • Schedule 4 Part 6 clause 12B: inserted, on , by section 49(3) of the Child Support (Pass On) Acts Amendment Act 2023 (2023 No 27).
                                                        • Schedule 4 Part 6 clause 12B: amended, on , by clause 7(1) of the Social Security (Rates of Benefits and Allowances) Order 2025 (SL 2025/9).
                                                        • Schedule 4 Part 6 clause 13: replaced, on , by section 49(3) of the Child Support (Pass On) Acts Amendment Act 2023 (2023 No 27).

                                                          7Accommodation supplement

                                                           

                                                          The following table is small in size and has 3 columns. The columns have no headings.
                                                          1 To a person who has 1 or more dependent children and who is in a relationship, or a sole parent with 2 or more dependent children, whose accommodation costs are rent, contributions, or payments for board and lodgings

                                                          70% of the amount by which an applicant's weekly qualifying accommodation costs exceeds 25% of the base rate, but not more than—

                                                        1. $305 a week, if the applicant resides in Area 1:
                                                          1. $220 a week, if the applicant resides in Area 2:
                                                            1. $160 a week, if the applicant resides in Area 3:
                                                              1. $120 a week, if the applicant resides in Area 4

                                                                  		1.
                                                                  2 To a person who has no dependent children and who is in a relationship, or a sole parent with 1 dependent child, whose accommodation costs are rent, contributions, or payments for board and lodgings

                                                                  70% of the amount by which an applicant's weekly qualifying accommodation costs exceeds 25% of the base rate, but not more than—

                                                                1. $235 a week, if the applicant resides in Area 1:
                                                                  1. $155 a week, if the applicant resides in Area 2:
                                                                    1. $105 a week, if the applicant resides in Area 3:
                                                                      1. $80 a week, if the applicant resides in Area 4

                                                                          		1.
                                                                          3 To any other person whose accommodation costs are rent, contributions, or payments for board and lodgings

                                                                          70% of the amount by which an applicant's weekly qualifying accommodation costs exceeds 25% of the base rate, but not more than—

                                                                        1. $165 a week, if the applicant resides in Area 1:
                                                                          1. $105 a week, if the applicant resides in Area 2:
                                                                            1. $80 a week, if the applicant resides in Area 3:
                                                                              1. $70 a week, if the applicant resides in Area 4

                                                                                  		1.
                                                                                  4 To a person who has 1 or more dependent children and who is in a relationship, or a sole parent with 2 or more dependent children, whose accommodation costs are the sum of payments required under any mortgage security, and other payments that the chief executive is satisfied are reasonably required to be made in respect of the person's home

                                                                                  70% of the amount by which an applicant's weekly qualifying accommodation costs exceeds 30% of the base rate, but not more than—

                                                                                1. $305 a week, if the applicant resides in Area 1:
                                                                                  1. $220 a week, if the applicant resides in Area 2:
                                                                                    1. $160 a week, if the applicant resides in Area 3:
                                                                                      1. $120 a week, if the applicant resides in Area 4

                                                                                          		1.
                                                                                          5 To a person who has no dependent children and who is in a relationship, or a sole parent with 1 dependent child, whose accommodation costs are the sum of payments required under any mortgage security, and other payments that the chief executive is satisfied are reasonably required to be made in respect of the person's home

                                                                                          70% of the amount by which an applicant's weekly qualifying accommodation costs exceeds 30% of the base rate, but not more than—

                                                                                        1. $235 a week, if the applicant resides in Area 1:
                                                                                          1. $155 a week, if the applicant resides in Area 2:
                                                                                            1. $105 a week, if the applicant resides in Area 3:
                                                                                              1. $80 a week, if the applicant resides in Area 4

                                                                                                  		1.
                                                                                                  6 To any other person whose accommodation costs are the sum of payments required under any mortgage security, and other payments that the chief executive is satisfied are reasonably required to be made in respect of the person's home

                                                                                                  70% of the amount by which an applicant's weekly qualifying accommodation costs exceeds 30% of the base rate, but not more than—

                                                                                                1. $165 a week, if the applicant resides in Area 1:
                                                                                                  1. $105 a week, if the applicant resides in Area 2:
                                                                                                    1. $80 a week, if the applicant resides in Area 3:
                                                                                                      1. $70 a week, if the applicant resides in Area 4

                                                                                                          		1.
                                                                                                          6A The rate of accommodation supplement payable to a community spouse or partner (as defined in Schedule 2) is the rate in items 1 to 6 that would apply to them if they were single (and their other circumstances were unchanged).
                                                                                                          7

                                                                                                          In this Part,—

                                                                                                          accommodation income, for a person (P) and a period, means the sum of—

                                                                                                          1. all rent paid to P for the period by other persons (not being additional residents or boarders) residing at the premises at which P resides in consideration of the right to occupy those premises or a non-self-contained part of those premises (excluding any service costs, any arrears, and any rent that is income from a business carried on by P); and
                                                                                                            1. 62% of all contributions received by P for the period from additional residents residing at the premises at which P resides (excluding any arrears); and
                                                                                                              1. 62% of the total amount of all payments for board and lodgings at those premises made to P for the period by boarders residing at those premises (excluding any arrears and any payments that are income from a business carried on by P)

                                                                                                                dependent child (as defined in Schedule 2) excludes a child in respect of whom an orphan’s benefit or an unsupported child’s benefit is being paid

                                                                                                                  weekly qualifying accommodation costs, for a person, means the greater of zero and the amount calculated in accordance with the following formula:
                                                                                                                    8 For the purposes of subpart 10 of Part 2 and of this Part of this schedule,—
                                                                                                                    Area 1 means the following parts of New Zealand (as on 26 June 2017 defined by the Government Statistician):
                                                                                                                    Arrowtown urban area
                                                                                                                    Bombay area unit
                                                                                                                    Central Auckland urban zone
                                                                                                                    Clevedon area unit
                                                                                                                    Glenbrook area unit
                                                                                                                    Helensville South area unit
                                                                                                                    Helensville urban area
                                                                                                                    Hunua area unit
                                                                                                                    Karekare area unit
                                                                                                                    Kaukapakapa area unit
                                                                                                                    Kaukapakapa rural area unit
                                                                                                                    Kingseat area unit
                                                                                                                    Mahurangi area unit
                                                                                                                    Muriwai Beach area unit
                                                                                                                    Muriwai Valley area unit
                                                                                                                    Northern Auckland urban zone
                                                                                                                    Parakai urban area unit
                                                                                                                    Patumahoe area unit
                                                                                                                    Pokeno area unit
                                                                                                                    Pukekohe urban area
                                                                                                                    Queenstown urban area
                                                                                                                    Rewiti area unit
                                                                                                                    Riverhead area unit
                                                                                                                    Snells Beach urban area
                                                                                                                    Southern Auckland urban zone
                                                                                                                    Tahekeroa area unit
                                                                                                                    Tauranga urban area
                                                                                                                    Waiheke Island urban area
                                                                                                                    Waitakere West area unit
                                                                                                                    Waiuku urban area
                                                                                                                    Wanaka urban area
                                                                                                                    Warkworth urban area
                                                                                                                    Western Auckland urban zone
                                                                                                                    Area 2 means the following parts of New Zealand (as on 26 June 2017 defined by the Government Statistician):
                                                                                                                    Amberley urban area
                                                                                                                    Ashburton urban area
                                                                                                                    Awhitu area unit
                                                                                                                    Blenheim urban area
                                                                                                                    Brightwater urban area
                                                                                                                    Cambridge urban zone
                                                                                                                    Cape Rodney area unit
                                                                                                                    Cape Rodney South area unit
                                                                                                                    Christchurch urban area
                                                                                                                    Cromwell urban area
                                                                                                                    Darfield urban area
                                                                                                                    Great Barrier Island area unit
                                                                                                                    Hamilton urban zone
                                                                                                                    Hastings urban zone
                                                                                                                    Islands–Motutapu, Rangitoto, Rakino area unit
                                                                                                                    Kaiaua area unit
                                                                                                                    Kapiti urban area
                                                                                                                    Katikati Community urban area
                                                                                                                    Kawakawa–Orere area unit
                                                                                                                    Kawau area unit
                                                                                                                    Kerikeri urban area
                                                                                                                    Leeston urban area
                                                                                                                    Leigh area unit
                                                                                                                    Lincoln urban area
                                                                                                                    Little Barrier Island area unit
                                                                                                                    Lower Hutt urban zone
                                                                                                                    Makara–Ohariu area unit
                                                                                                                    Mangatawhiri area unit
                                                                                                                    Mangawhai area unit
                                                                                                                    Mangawhai Heads urban area
                                                                                                                    Mapua urban area
                                                                                                                    Maramarua area unit
                                                                                                                    Matakana area unit
                                                                                                                    Matamata urban area
                                                                                                                    Matheson Bay area unit
                                                                                                                    Meremere area unit
                                                                                                                    Moonshine Valley area unit
                                                                                                                    Motueka urban area
                                                                                                                    Napier urban zone
                                                                                                                    Nelson urban area
                                                                                                                    New Plymouth urban area
                                                                                                                    Ngunguru urban area
                                                                                                                    Omaha area unit
                                                                                                                    Onewhero area unit
                                                                                                                    Otaua area unit
                                                                                                                    Oxford urban area
                                                                                                                    Paparata area unit
                                                                                                                    Parakai rural area unit
                                                                                                                    Point Wells area unit
                                                                                                                    Porirua urban zone
                                                                                                                    Raglan urban area
                                                                                                                    Rakaia urban area
                                                                                                                    Rangiora urban area
                                                                                                                    Rapaura area unit
                                                                                                                    Rolleston urban area
                                                                                                                    South Head area unit
                                                                                                                    Tauhoa–Puhoi area unit
                                                                                                                    Taupo urban area
                                                                                                                    Te Awamutu urban zone
                                                                                                                    Te Kauwhata urban area
                                                                                                                    Te Puke Community urban area
                                                                                                                    Upper Hutt urban zone
                                                                                                                    Waihi Beach urban area
                                                                                                                    Wakefield urban area
                                                                                                                    Wellington urban zone
                                                                                                                    Wellsford urban area
                                                                                                                    Whangamata urban area
                                                                                                                    Whangarei urban area
                                                                                                                    Whitianga urban area
                                                                                                                    Woodend urban area
                                                                                                                    Area 3 means the following parts of New Zealand (as on 26 June 2017 defined by the Government Statistician):
                                                                                                                    Alexandra urban area
                                                                                                                    Carterton urban area
                                                                                                                    Cloustonville area unit
                                                                                                                    Coromandel urban area
                                                                                                                    Dargaville urban area
                                                                                                                    Dunedin urban area
                                                                                                                    Edgecumbe urban area
                                                                                                                    Feilding urban area
                                                                                                                    Geraldine urban area
                                                                                                                    Gisborne urban area
                                                                                                                    Greymouth urban area
                                                                                                                    Greytown urban area
                                                                                                                    Hanmer Springs area unit
                                                                                                                    Hawera urban area
                                                                                                                    Hokitika urban area
                                                                                                                    Huntly urban area
                                                                                                                    Inglewood urban area
                                                                                                                    Kaikohe urban area
                                                                                                                    Kaikoura urban area
                                                                                                                    Kaitaia urban area
                                                                                                                    Kapiti Island area unit
                                                                                                                    Kauwhata area unit
                                                                                                                    Kawakawa urban area
                                                                                                                    Levin urban area
                                                                                                                    Mana Island area unit
                                                                                                                    Mangaroa area unit
                                                                                                                    Martinborough urban area
                                                                                                                    Masterton urban area
                                                                                                                    Maungakotukutuku area unit
                                                                                                                    Methven urban area
                                                                                                                    Morrinsville urban area
                                                                                                                    Ngatea urban area
                                                                                                                    Oamaru urban area
                                                                                                                    Opiki area unit
                                                                                                                    Otaki urban area
                                                                                                                    Otorohanga urban area
                                                                                                                    Paekakariki Hill area unit
                                                                                                                    Paeroa urban area
                                                                                                                    Paihia urban area
                                                                                                                    Palmerston North urban area
                                                                                                                    Pencarrow area unit
                                                                                                                    Picton urban area
                                                                                                                    Pleasant Point urban area
                                                                                                                    Rotorua urban area
                                                                                                                    Russell area unit
                                                                                                                    Shannon urban area
                                                                                                                    Taipa Bay–Mangonui urban area
                                                                                                                    Tairua urban area
                                                                                                                    Takaka urban area
                                                                                                                    Te Aroha urban area
                                                                                                                    Temuka urban area
                                                                                                                    Thames urban area
                                                                                                                    Timaru urban area
                                                                                                                    Tokomaru area unit
                                                                                                                    Tokorangi–Hiwinui area unit
                                                                                                                    Twizel Community urban area
                                                                                                                    Waihi urban area
                                                                                                                    Waikouaiti urban area
                                                                                                                    Waipawa urban area
                                                                                                                    Waitara urban area
                                                                                                                    Whakatane urban area
                                                                                                                    Winton urban area
                                                                                                                    Area 4 means any part of New Zealand not included in Area 1, Area 2, or Area 3.
                                                                                                                    Notes
                                                                                                                    • Schedule 4 Part 7 clause 1: amended, on , by section 15(1) of the Social Assistance Legislation (Accommodation Supplement and Income-related Rent) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 27).
                                                                                                                    • Schedule 4 Part 7 clause 1: amended, on , by section 15(2) of the Social Assistance Legislation (Accommodation Supplement and Income-related Rent) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 27).
                                                                                                                    • Schedule 4 Part 7 clause 2: amended, on , by section 15(1) of the Social Assistance Legislation (Accommodation Supplement and Income-related Rent) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 27).
                                                                                                                    • Schedule 4 Part 7 clause 2: amended, on , by section 15(2) of the Social Assistance Legislation (Accommodation Supplement and Income-related Rent) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 27).
                                                                                                                    • Schedule 4 Part 7 clause 3: amended, on , by section 15(1) of the Social Assistance Legislation (Accommodation Supplement and Income-related Rent) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 27).
                                                                                                                    • Schedule 4 Part 7 clause 3: amended, on , by section 15(2) of the Social Assistance Legislation (Accommodation Supplement and Income-related Rent) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 27).
                                                                                                                    • Schedule 4 Part 7 clause 4: amended, on , by section 15(2) of the Social Assistance Legislation (Accommodation Supplement and Income-related Rent) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 27).
                                                                                                                    • Schedule 4 Part 7 clause 5: amended, on , by section 15(2) of the Social Assistance Legislation (Accommodation Supplement and Income-related Rent) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 27).
                                                                                                                    • Schedule 4 Part 7 clause 6: amended, on , by section 15(2) of the Social Assistance Legislation (Accommodation Supplement and Income-related Rent) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 27).
                                                                                                                    • Schedule 4 Part 7 clause 6A: inserted, on , by section 9 of the Social Security (Accommodation Supplement) Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 65).
                                                                                                                    • Schedule 4 Part 7 clause 7: replaced, on , by section 15(3) of the Social Assistance Legislation (Accommodation Supplement and Income-related Rent) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 27).

                                                                                                                      8Winter energy payment

                                                                                                                       

                                                                                                                      The following table has 4 columns with no headings.
                                                                                                                      1 The rates of winter energy payment are as follows:
                                                                                                                      (a) to a person who is single and has no dependent children $450 per winter period
                                                                                                                      (b) to a person who is single and has 1 or more dependent children $700 per winter period
                                                                                                                      (c) to a person who is in a relationship, and who is the 1 spouse or partner who is entitled under section 72(3) $700 per winter period
                                                                                                                      2 For the purposes of clause 1(a) and (b), dependent child, in relation to a person, means any other person who—
                                                                                                                      (a) is a child—
                                                                                                                      (i) whose care is primarily the responsibility of the person; and
                                                                                                                      (ii) who is being maintained as a member of that person’s family; and
                                                                                                                      (iii) who is financially dependent on that person; and
                                                                                                                      (b) may be, but need not be, a child in respect of whom payments are being made under section 363 of the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989; and
                                                                                                                      (c) may be, but need not be, a child in respect of whom an orphan’s benefit or an unsupported child’s benefit is being paid; and
                                                                                                                      (d) is not a child in respect of whom a young parent payment is being paid in relation to a person who is not the child’s parent or step-parent.

                                                                                                                        Notes
                                                                                                                        • Schedule 4 Part 8 clause 1(a): amended, on , by section 36(1) of the COVID-19 Response (Taxation and Social Assistance Urgent Measures) Act 2020 (2020 No 8).
                                                                                                                        • Schedule 4 Part 8 clause 1(b): amended, on , by section 36(2) of the COVID-19 Response (Taxation and Social Assistance Urgent Measures) Act 2020 (2020 No 8).
                                                                                                                        • Schedule 4 Part 8 clause 1(c): amended, on , by section 36(3) of the COVID-19 Response (Taxation and Social Assistance Urgent Measures) Act 2020 (2020 No 8).

                                                                                                                        9Child disability allowance and disability allowance

                                                                                                                         

                                                                                                                        The following table is small in size and has 3 columns. The columns have no headings.
                                                                                                                        1 Rate of child disability allowance $60.55 a week
                                                                                                                        2 Maximum rate of disability allowance under section 85 $80.35 a week
                                                                                                                        3 Rate of special disability allowance under section 89 $50.11 a week

                                                                                                                          Notes
                                                                                                                          • Schedule 4 Part 9 clause 1: amended, on , by clause 7(1) of the Social Security (Rates of Benefits and Allowances) Order 2025 (SL 2025/9).
                                                                                                                          • Schedule 4 Part 9 clause 2: amended, on , by clause 7(1) of the Social Security (Rates of Benefits and Allowances) Order 2025 (SL 2025/9).
                                                                                                                          • Schedule 4 Part 9 clause 3: amended, on , by clause 7(1) of the Social Security (Rates of Benefits and Allowances) Order 2025 (SL 2025/9).

                                                                                                                          10Rates of generally abolished former widows' benefits under section 21 of Social Security Act 1964 as saved by clause 55 of Schedule 1 of this Act for reciprocity agreement applicants or recipients

                                                                                                                           

                                                                                                                          The following table is small in size and has 3 columns. The columns have no headings.
                                                                                                                          1 To a beneficiary with 1 or more dependent children $505.80 a week, subject to Income Test 1
                                                                                                                          2 To a beneficiary without any dependent children $372.93 a week, subject to Income Test 1
                                                                                                                          3 For the purposes of clause 1, MSD may disregard up to $20 a week of the beneficiary's personal earnings used to meet the cost of childcare for any of the beneficiary's dependent children.
                                                                                                                          4 In this Part, dependent child (as defined in Schedule 2) excludes a child in respect of whom an orphan’s benefit or an unsupported child’s benefit is being paid.

                                                                                                                            Notes
                                                                                                                            • Schedule 4 Part 10 clause 1: amended, on , by clause 5 of the Social Security (Rates of Benefits and Allowances) Order 2025 (SL 2025/9).
                                                                                                                            • Schedule 4 Part 10 clause 2: amended, on , by clause 5 of the Social Security (Rates of Benefits and Allowances) Order 2025 (SL 2025/9).

                                                                                                                            11Rates of generally abolished former DPB for solo parents under section 27B of Social Security Act 1964 as saved by clause 55 of Schedule 1 of this Act for reciprocity agreement applicants or recipients

                                                                                                                             

                                                                                                                            The following table is small in size and has 3 columns. The columns have no headings.
                                                                                                                            1 To a beneficiary with 1 or more dependent children $505.80 a week, subject to Income Test 1
                                                                                                                            2 To a beneficiary without any dependent children $372.93 a week, subject to Income Test 1
                                                                                                                            3 For the purposes of clause 1, MSD may disregard up to $20 a week of the beneficiary's personal earnings used to meet the cost of childcare for any of the beneficiary's dependent children.
                                                                                                                            4 In this Part, dependent child (as defined in Schedule 2) excludes a child in respect of whom an orphan’s benefit or an unsupported child’s benefit is being paid.

                                                                                                                              Notes
                                                                                                                              • Schedule 4 Part 11 clause 1: amended, on , by clause 5 of the Social Security (Rates of Benefits and Allowances) Order 2025 (SL 2025/9).
                                                                                                                              • Schedule 4 Part 11 clause 2: amended, on , by clause 5 of the Social Security (Rates of Benefits and Allowances) Order 2025 (SL 2025/9).

                                                                                                                              12Rates of benefits payable to long-term hospital patients

                                                                                                                               

                                                                                                                              The following table is small in size and has 3 columns. The columns have no headings.
                                                                                                                              1 To a person without dependent children who is in a relationship, or a single person, who is receiving a main benefit under this Act $56.58 a week
                                                                                                                              2 In this Part, dependent child (as defined in Schedule 2) excludes a child in respect of whom an orphan’s benefit or an unsupported child’s benefit is being paid.

                                                                                                                                Notes
                                                                                                                                • Schedule 4 Part 12 clause 1: amended, on , by clause 5 of the Social Security (Rates of Benefits and Allowances) Order 2025 (SL 2025/9).