Financial assistance in an emergency

Here is some information about financial assistance you and your family may qualify for if you’ve been affected by a civil defence emergency.

Civil Defence payments

These payments are to meet the immediate needs of people who are affected by the Civil Defence Emergency. Civil Defence payments can cover the following costs:

• payments to hosts for billeting evacuees (private homes, marae or community centres)
• accommodation costs for evacuees in tourist accommodation (motels, hotels or temporary rental accommodation)
• loss of livelihood (where evacuees cannot work and lose income due to the emergency, eg if you can’t get to work, your workplace is closed or you need to remain with your family/whanau)
• food, clothing and bedding (immediate needs up to a maximum amount).

If you are unsure whether the costs or your immediate needs will be covered by insurance, an initial payment to meet your immediate needs may be made. Note: should your insurance subsequently cover any payments made by the Civil Defence payment, you will be required to refund the amount paid.

How to contact WINZ

You can visit WINZ at a welfare centre, or you can call 0800 559 009 to make an appointment at your local Work and Income service centre.

WINZ financial assistance in a civil defence emergency factsheet

Red Cross Earthquake Grant

The New Zealand Red Cross 2011 Earthquake Commission has established grants for people affected by the Christchurch earthquake: an Emergency and Hardship Grant and a Bereavement Grant. They also have a Winter Assistance Grant to help Christchurch households with children under the age of five get back on their feet.