NZ Disability Payouts Jump to $78.60/Week: In a major effort to provide more robust financial support to individuals with disabilities, New Zealand has increased disability support payouts to $78.60 per week as of April 2025. This increase is part of the Annual General Adjustment (AGA) that the New Zealand Government carries out annually to ensure benefit payments stay in line with inflation and the rising cost of living. As living expenses for housing, healthcare, food, and transport continue to escalate, this change aims to protect some of the country’s most vulnerable populations from financial hardship.
The updated rates are especially important for individuals relying on the Supported Living Payment (SLP) and the Disability Allowance, which help cover both basic income and additional disability-related expenses. Whether you’re currently receiving benefits or wondering if you might now be eligible, this guide will walk you through what the increase means, how to check your eligibility, and how to apply.
NZ Disability Payouts Jump to $78.60/Week
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| New Weekly Payout | $78.60/week base increase from April 1, 2025 |
| Adjustment Type | Annual General Adjustment (AGA) |
| Linked to | Consumer Price Index (CPI) |
| Target Group | Supported Living Payment recipients, Disability Allowance recipients |
| Eligibility Review | Based on income, disability type, living situation |
| Where to Apply | Work and Income NZ |
| Other Benefits Impacted | Jobseeker Support, Accommodation Supplement, Disability Allowance |
| Additional Tools | Check Your Eligibility Tool |
| Key Source | Beehive.govt.nz |
The 2025 boost to New Zealand’s disability payouts is an essential step toward a more equitable social safety net. With a weekly increase of $78.60, more Kiwis living with disabilities or supporting someone who does can now afford critical health services, transport, and daily essentials.
If you or someone in your household lives with a long-term health issue or disability, reviewing your eligibility now could lead to hundreds of dollars in support each month. Don’t let outdated information or unawareness stand in the way of benefits that you may be entitled to.
Why the 2025 NZ Disability Payment Increase Matters
New Zealand’s Annual General Adjustment is designed to help government benefits reflect current economic realities. This year’s update represents a 2.22% increase, in line with inflation measured by the CPI for the year ending December 2024. Over 1.5 million New Zealanders are expected to benefit from this update, many of whom rely on regular financial assistance to cover essential living and healthcare costs.
The increase in disability payments is more than a technical adjustment. It’s a response to pressing social needs. With housing affordability worsening, utility prices rising, and food costs remaining high, many individuals and families living with disabilities are at greater financial risk. This payment boost offers some relief and can help close the gap for essential medical support, transport, and dietary needs.
Who Qualifies for Disability Support in New Zealand?
Eligibility for disability-related payments is assessed through Work and Income New Zealand (WINZ). Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for one or both of the following key benefits:
Supported Living Payment (SLP)
This payment is for people who:
- Have a permanent disability or health condition that prevents them from working for at least 2 years, OR
- Are legally blind, OR
- Are providing full-time care to a person who would otherwise require hospital or residential care
Income and asset tests apply, and your eligibility may vary based on:
- Marital or relationship status
- Number of dependent children
- Living arrangements (e.g., flatting, alone, with partner, with children)
Learn more and apply for SLP
Disability Allowance
This benefit helps with extra costs caused by a disability or long-term health condition. Examples of covered costs include:
- Regular GP or specialist visits
- Prescription medication or medical equipment
- Dietary supplements or special foods
- Taxi fares or mobility services for those unable to drive
You don’t need to be on SLP to qualify for this. The allowance is calculated based on actual expenses, supported by medical documentation.
Explore Disability Allowance
Breakdown of 2025 Payment Increases
Here’s a breakdown of what the new rates may look like for eligible recipients:
Weekly Base Increases (effective April 1, 2025):
- Single Adult (18+ living alone): Increased from $327.25 to $405.85/week
- Couple (both eligible): Combined increase of up to $130.40/week
- Single Parent with Child(ren): Slightly higher based on dependents; varies case by case
- Disability Allowance: Increase dependent on verified ongoing medical costs (can range from $12 to $70/week or more)
Note: The total increase you receive will be based on individual assessment. Some people may receive more or less depending on their circumstances and related costs.
Check If You’re Getting the Right Payment
A surprising number of people miss out on extra financial support simply because they don’t check or update their records regularly. Here’s how to stay current:
NZ Disability Payouts Jump to $78.60/Week Guide:
1. Log Into MyMSD
Visit MyMSD and check your profile. Not registered? Set up an account using your client number and ID.
2. Verify Personal Info
Make sure your living status, income, and health details are accurate. Even minor changes can affect eligibility.
3. Upload Updated Medical Forms
If your health situation has changed, or your expenses have gone up, submit a new medical certificate or specialist letter.
4. Use the Eligibility Tool
Use Check What You Might Get to explore potential new or updated benefits.
5. Call or Visit WINZ
Not sure where you stand? A WINZ representative can walk you through your options: Call 0800 559 009 or visit a local office.
What If You Were Previously Declined?
Situations change. If you applied before and were declined, don’t give up. Increased funding and changes in your health or income may now make you eligible.
Common Reasons for Initial Denials:
- Incomplete forms or missing medical documentation
- Income above the cutoff at the time of application
- Unclear eligibility under the old thresholds
If any of these have changed, it’s worth applying again.
Tip: Get help from a social worker, case manager, or advocacy group to navigate reapplication.
Dream of Living in New Zealand? Work-Based Residency Programs for 2025 Are Open – Check Now!
New Zealand cuts migrant work experience to 2 years, opening doors for Indian professionals
Looking for Seasonal Work? New Zealand 2025 Visa Invitations Now Open!
Real-Life Examples
Understanding how this increase affects real people can help put it into perspective:
Example 1: John (42), Lives Alone With Chronic Arthritis
John was receiving $327.25/week. After the adjustment:
- New Rate: $405.85/week
- Benefit: Extra $78.60/week helps cover new pain medication and travel to specialist appointments
Example 2: Priya (36), Single Mother Caring for Child With Autism
Priya receives both SLP (as a carer) and Disability Allowance.
- Combined Weekly Increase: Up to $120 depending on documentation of her son’s therapy and nutritional supplement costs
- Impact: Can now afford private transport for weekly occupational therapy visits
Example 3: Moana (58), Lives With Adult Daughter With Down Syndrome
Moana was previously ineligible due to household income, but with revised thresholds, she now qualifies for Disability Allowance.
- Benefit: $45/week for medical transport and nutritional supplements
Additional Support Programs
Many people don’t realize that multiple programs can be stacked depending on need:
- Accommodation Supplement: For renters or homeowners facing high housing costs
- Temporary Additional Support: For short-term financial hardship
- hild Disability Allowance: For parents caring for a child with a serious condition
- Community Services Card: For discounted healthcare and prescriptions
- Winter Energy Payment: Available automatically during the colder months
Visit the MSD website for a complete list and application guides.
FAQs On NZ Disability Payouts Jump to $78.60/Week
Q1: Do I need to reapply to get the $78.60 increase?
No. If you’re already receiving benefits, this update was automatic from April 1, 2025.
Q2: What if I don’t see an increase in my payment?
Log into MyMSD or contact WINZ. Inaccurate records or incomplete applications may cause delays.
Q3: Are these payments taxed?
No. Most benefits including SLP and Disability Allowance are non-taxable unless paired with other large income sources.
Q4: Can I receive multiple forms of disability assistance?
Yes. You can receive SLP, Disability Allowance, Accommodation Supplement, and more if eligible.
Q5: Who can help me complete the application?
WINZ case managers, social workers, health professionals, and disability advocacy groups are available to help.
