WINZ Emergency Accommodation Support: Your Guide to Urgent Housing in NZ

Eligibility for Emergency Housing

To qualify for WINZ emergency accommodation support, you generally need to meet specific criteria that demonstrate an immediate and urgent need for housing. WINZ assesses each situation individually, but the core requirements revolve around your inability to secure or remain in safe and suitable housing.

Key factors WINZ considers include:

• No Place to Stay: You are literally without a roof over your head, or will be within the next 24-48 hours. This includes sleeping in cars, on the street, or in unsafe situations.
• Unsafe or Unsuitable Current Accommodation: Your current living situation poses a significant risk to your safety, health, or wellbeing (e.g., family violence, severely overcrowded, structurally unsound).
• Inability to Pay for Other Accommodation: You do not have enough money to pay for alternative temporary accommodation, and you’ve exhausted all other avenues.
• NZ Residency or Citizenship: You must be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident.
• Demonstrated Need: WINZ will assess your circumstances to confirm that there are no other reasonable options available to you.

“Emergency housing is a lifeline for individuals and families facing immediate homelessness. WINZ’s criteria focus on urgent need, ensuring support reaches those most vulnerable when all other options are exhausted.”

How to Access WINZ Emergency Accommodation Support

Accessing support from Work and Income requires a clear process. Following these steps can help you navigate the system more effectively during your time of need.

Step 1: Contact WINZ Immediately

If you’re in an emergency housing situation, the first and most critical step is to contact Work and Income as soon as possible. Their dedicated phone lines and in-person service centers are equipped to handle urgent requests.

• Phone: Call WINZ on 0800 559 009 (Māori and Pacific service line available). This is often the quickest way to get an initial assessment.
• In Person: Visit your nearest Work and Income service centre. While appointments are recommended, urgent situations are often prioritised.
• Online: While you can’t apply for emergency housing online, you can check general eligibility or find contact details.

Step 2: Attend Your Interview and Assessment

Once you make contact, you’ll be scheduled for an interview with a WINZ case manager. This assessment is vital for them to understand your specific situation and determine the best course of action. Be prepared to share details about your current housing crisis, your income, and any dependents.

Step 3: Prepare Key Information and Documents

Having the right information on hand can significantly speed up the process. While not all documents may be immediately required, it’s good to have them ready:

• Proof of identity (e.g., NZ driver’s license, passport, birth certificate).
• Proof of income and assets (e.g., bank statements, pay slips).
• Details of your current or last accommodation and why it’s no longer viable.
• Information about any dependants you have.
• Any official letters or documents related to your housing situation (e.g., eviction notice, bond refund notice).

Step 4: Understand the Emergency Housing Special Needs Grant (EHSNG)

The primary form of WINZ emergency accommodation support is the Emergency Housing Special Needs Grant (EHSNG). This grant can cover the cost of short-term accommodation (like motels, hotels, or campgrounds) when you have nowhere else to go. It’s usually granted for up to seven nights, but can be extended if your situation hasn’t resolved.

The grant doesn’t have to be paid back, provided you meet the eligibility criteria.

Step 5: Follow Up and Stay Connected

Maintain regular communication with your WINZ case manager. They can help you explore further options, including transitional housing or connecting you with other support services. Proactive engagement can lead to more stable outcomes.

Short-term vs. Long-term Housing Solutions

It’s important to differentiate between immediate emergency support and longer-term housing strategies. WINZ emergency accommodation is designed to address an urgent crisis, not to provide permanent housing.

Short-term Solutions (Emergency Housing)

• Purpose: Immediate safety and shelter.
• Duration: Typically up to 7 days, with extensions possible based on ongoing assessment.
• Type of Accommodation: Often motels, hotels, or emergency shelters contracted by WINZ or government-funded providers.
• Funding: Primarily via the Emergency Housing Special Needs Grant (EHSNG).

Long-term Solutions (Transitional and Social Housing)

While you are in emergency housing, WINZ will also work with you to develop a plan for more stable, long-term housing. This can involve:

• Transitional Housing: These are temporary homes that offer more stability than emergency accommodation, often accompanied by support services to help you address underlying issues and prepare for independent living.
• Social Housing Register: If you meet the criteria for social housing, WINZ can help you apply to be on the Housing Register for a home provided by Kāinga Ora (the Crown agency for housing) or a community housing provider.
• Private Rental Market: Your case manager can also assist with bond grants, rent in advance, and identifying suitable private rental properties if that’s a viable option.

Additional Resources for Homelessness in NZ

Beyond WINZ, several dedicated organisations and helplines offer support, advocacy, and resources for individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness in New Zealand. These services can provide complementary assistance, advice, and sometimes even direct housing solutions.

• Housing First: A programme that provides immediate access to housing and intensive wrap-around support for people who have experienced chronic homelessness and complex needs.
• Lifewise: Offers a range of services for homeless people in Auckland, including outreach, housing, and social services.
• Salvation Army: Provides emergency accommodation, social housing, and extensive support services across the country.
• Women’s Refuge: Offers safe accommodation and support for women and children experiencing family violence, which is a significant cause of homelessness. (Crisis Line: 0800 REFUGE)
• Community Housing Providers: Various non-profit organisations offer social housing and related support; WINZ can help connect you with local providers.
• Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB): Provides free, confidential information and advice on a wide range of issues, including housing rights and accessing support.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How long can I receive WINZ emergency accommodation support?

A: The Emergency Housing Special Needs Grant typically covers up to seven nights of accommodation. However, if your situation has not resolved, your WINZ case manager can assess you for extensions. Each extension is based on your ongoing need and active engagement in finding a more stable solution.

Q: Do I have to pay back the Emergency Housing Special Needs Grant?

A: No, the Emergency Housing Special Needs Grant (EHSNG) is generally not required to be paid back. It is a grant, not a loan, provided you meet the eligibility criteria at the time it’s issued. WINZ offers other forms of financial assistance, such as recoverable grants or advances, which do need to be paid back.

Q: Can WINZ help if I have a pet but need emergency accommodation?

A: This can be a challenging situation. While WINZ’s primary focus is on human accommodation, some emergency housing providers might have pet policies. It’s crucial to discuss this with your WINZ case manager immediately. They can help identify pet-friendly options if available or suggest temporary solutions for your pet while you secure housing.

Q: What if I’m not eligible for emergency housing through WINZ?

A: If you don’t meet the WINZ criteria for emergency accommodation, don’t despair. Your case manager can still discuss other types of assistance you might be eligible for (e.g., hardship assistance, budgeting advice) and can refer you to other community organisations and charities that provide homelessness support, as listed in our resources section.

Q: What should I do if I’m experiencing family violence and need urgent housing?

A: If you are experiencing family violence, your safety is the absolute priority. Contact WINZ immediately and inform them of your situation. They can connect you directly with services like Women’s Refuge, who provide safe, confidential emergency accommodation and support for women and children. You can also call the Women’s Refuge Crisis Line on 0800 REFUGE (0800 733 843) at any time.

References/Sources

• Work and Income New Zealand (WINZ). (n.d.). Emergency Housing. Retrieved from workandincome.govt.nz
• Work and Income New Zealand (WINZ). (n.d.). Special Needs Grant – What you can get. Retrieved from workandincome.govt.nz
• Ministry of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). (n.d.). Housing Register. Retrieved from hud.govt.nz
• Kāinga Ora – Homes and Communities. (n.d.). Social Housing. Retrieved from kaingaora.govt.nz
• Women’s Refuge New Zealand. (n.d.). Our Services. Retrieved from womensrefuge.org.nz