Temporary accommodation assistance for displaced homeowners

Last updated: 21 May 2024

If you cannot live in your home because of storm damage, you may be eligible for the North Island Weather Events – Temporary Accommodation Assistance from 4 September 2023.

If you are a New Zealand citizen, resident, refugee or protected person who is affected by 2023 weather events, you may be able to get temporary accommodation assistance through Work and Income.

Who can get the temporary accommodation assistance

You may be able to get temporary accommodation assistance if:

• you cannot live in your home because it has a yellow or red placard
• your house is uninhabitable because of the severe weather event
• you are paying for temporary accommodation that you signed an agreement for before 18 March 2024
• your insurance cover for temporary rental accommodation is ending soon
• you have registered for the temporary accommodation service
• you are not getting any support for your current rental accommodation.

How payments are calculated

Payment rates may vary depending on your family size and the location of the temporary accommodation. Details on payment rates can be found under How much you can get section on Work and Income website.

How to apply

You need to book an appointment to apply for accommodation assistance. To book:

• call 0800 552 002 for seniors, 0800 88 99 00 for students, 0800 559 009 for others
• visit a service centre.

A complete list of the documents you need for the application can be found under 'How to apply' on the Work and Income website.