Dealing with Work and Income
Types of main benefits
Main benefits – by age
Social Security Act 2018, ss 70–74, 219, 220, 319
There are three broad categories of main benefits, broken down by age groups:
- If you’re 16 or 17 and do not have any children, you may qualify for the Youth Payment, or Supported Living Payment if you have a disability.
- If you’re under 20 and have a child or children, you may qualify for the Young Parent Payment.
- If you’re between 18 and 65, you may qualify for Jobseeker Support, Sole Parent Support or the Supported Living Payment.
- If you’re 65 and over, you may be eligible for New Zealand Superannuation.
Note: If you are getting a main benefit, you are also automatically eligible to get Winter Energy Payments to help with the costs of home heating during winter. The payments start from 1 May and end on 1 October each year. If you’re getting a main benefit, you’ll be paid automatically – you don’t need to apply.
