Beginner Guide to
Hardship Grants
Take the stress out of tough times with Hardship Grants in New Zealand! Get the financial assistance you need to make ends meet, and get back on your feet. Lets look at what is a hardship grant is and how and where to get it from.
What is a hardship grant?
A hardship grant is a type of financial assistance that is intended to help people who are experiencing financial difficulties. In New Zealand, hardship grants are typically offered by government agencies, charitable organizations, and other non-profit groups. These grants are usually provided to help people pay for essential expenses, such as food, housing, and medical care, and are intended for individuals and families who are unable to meet their basic needs due to a lack of income or other financial resources.
Types of hardship grants
There are many different types of hardship grants available in New Zealand, and the specific types of grants that are available may vary depending on the organization offering them and the individual’s circumstances. Some common types of hardship grants in New Zealand include:
Emergency grants: These grants are designed to provide urgent financial assistance to people who are facing a sudden, unexpected crisis, such as a natural disaster or the loss of a job. Emergency grants are typically offered by government agencies and charitable organizations, and may be used to help people pay for essential expenses, such as food and shelter.
Health-related grants: These grants are intended to help people pay for medical expenses, such as hospital bills, prescription drugs, and medical equipment. Health-related grants may be offered by government agencies, charitable organizations, and other non-profit groups, and are typically available to people who are unable to pay for their medical expenses due to a lack of income or other financial resources.
Education-related grants: These grants are intended to help people pay for the costs of education, such as tuition, books, and supplies. Education-related grants may be offered by government agencies, charitable organizations, and other non-profit groups, and are typically available to students who are unable to pay for their education due to a lack of income or other financial resources.
Housing-related grants: These grants are intended to help people pay for the costs of housing, such as rent, mortgage payments, and utility bills. Housing-related grants may be offered by government agencies, charitable organizations, and other non-profit groups, and are typically available to people who are unable to pay for their housing expenses due to a lack of income or other financial resources.
How much can you get ?
The amount of a hardship grant that an individual or family can receive will vary depending on the specific grant program and the individual’s circumstances. In general, hardship grants are designed to provide financial assistance for essential expenses, such as food, housing, and medical care, and are not intended to provide a long-term solution to financial difficulties.
The amount of the grant may be based on factors such as the individual’s income and assets, the number of people in their household, and the specific expenses they are trying to cover. It is important to contact the organization offering the grant to find out specific information about the amount of assistance that may be available.
Here is an example of a hardship grant in New Zealand:
Let’s say that John and Jane are a married couple who live in Auckland with their two children. John recently lost his job and the family is struggling to make ends meet. They are behind on their rent and utility bills, and they don’t have enough money to buy food for their family. In this situation, John and Jane may be eligible for a hardship grant from the government to help them pay for their essential expenses.
They would need to apply for the grant and provide information about their income, assets, and expenses to determine the amount of assistance they could receive. If their application is approved, they may receive a grant to help them pay for their rent, utilities, and food for a certain period of time. This grant would be a one-time payment and would not provide ongoing financial support.
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for hardship grants in New Zealand may vary depending on the specific grant program and the organization offering it. In general, however, most hardship grants are available to people who are experiencing financial difficulties and are unable to pay for their essential expenses due to a lack of income or other financial resources. To be eligible for a hardship grant, an individual or family may need to meet certain criteria, such as:
- Being a resident of New Zealand
- Having a low income or experiencing financial hardship
- Having a need for financial assistance to pay for essential expenses, such as food, housing, and medical care
- Meeting any other specific criteria set by the grant program, such as being a student or having a certain type of medical condition.
It is important to contact the organization offering the grant to find out specific eligibility criteria and how to apply for the grant.
How to Apply for Hardship Grants
The process for applying for a hardship grant in New Zealand may vary depending on the specific grant program and the organization offering it. In general, however, most hardship grants can be applied for by completing an application form and submitting it to the organization offering the grant. The application form will typically ask for information about the applicant’s income, assets, expenses, and other relevant information.
To apply for a hardship grant, an individual or family will need to gather all of the necessary information and documents, such as proof of income, bills, and other expenses. It is important to provide accurate and complete information on the application form to ensure that the application is processed quickly and efficiently. The organization offering the grant may also require the applicant to provide additional information or documents, such as proof of residency or a medical report.
Once the application is submitted, it will be reviewed by the organization offering the grant. The review process may take some time, and the applicant may be required to provide additional information or attend an interview to determine their eligibility for the grant. If the application is approved, the applicant will receive the grant and will be able to use it to pay for their essential expenses.
It is important to contact the organization offering the grant to find out specific information about how to apply and what documents are required.
Where to Apply for Hardship Grant in NZ?
Hardship grants are typically offered by government agencies, charitable organizations, and other non-profit groups in New Zealand. Some examples of organizations that may offer hardship grants include :
- The Ministry of Social Development,
- The Department of Internal Affairs,
- The Salvation Army
- Other charities and non-profit organizations.
To find organizations that offer hardship grants in New Zealand, an individual or family can search online for organizations that provide financial assistance in their area. They can also contact their local government agency or non-profit organization and ask about hardship grants and other forms of financial assistance that may be available.
It is important to carefully research the grant program and the organization offering it to ensure that the grant is legitimate and that the applicant meets the eligibility criteria before applying.
Hardship Grant Statistics:
According to the MSD, the number of individuals receiving hardship grants has increased in recent years. In the year ending June 2021, over 143,000 individuals received an emergency benefit, while over 126,000 individuals received a special benefit. The average monthly payment for an emergency benefit was $532, while the average monthly payment for a special benefit was $928.
Hardship Grants in NZ
Hardship grants are an important safety net for individuals and families facing financial difficulties in New Zealand. These grants provide support for essential expenses and can help individuals get through tough times.
