Beneficiary Advisory Service (BAS)

11/06/2026

The Government has announced changes to MSD in the 2026 Budget. Some changes that may affect you are:

📌 More focus on supporting sole parents to find work.
📌 Emergency housing support services will continue (mainly at a lower level to prevent people from needing emergency housing)
📌 Accommodation Supplement payments will increase from April 2027.
📌 Child support payments will no longer reduce Temporary Additional Support from April 2027.
📌 Some people in social housing may need to pay more towards their rent from April 2027.

These changes will affect people differently. Some people may get more support, while others may get less.

Most changes do not start until next year, we'll keep you updated as they do.

08/06/2026

You may have seen the announcement that MSD will start using AI to make some decisions.

MSD has confirmed that AI will only be used for rules-based decisions. Where discretion is required, a human will be involved.

This change will start on 1 July. We'll be watching closely and share any updates with you.

19/05/2026

🚗 🏨 Need help with travel or accommodation costs for medical appointments? 🏨 🚗

If you're on a low income or benefit, you may be able to get help with:
• Travel costs
• Accommodation costs
• Meals when staying overnight for treatment

You can generally get up to $300. You do NOT have to be on a benefit to qualify, and this assistance is non-recoverable. Income and asset limits apply.

Help may be available for one-off medical appointments, assessments, consultations, or day surgery appointments referred by a health professional.

If you don't qualify for this, check out the St John Waka Ora Health Shuttle, it's only a koha.

18/05/2026

Public consultation on Christchurch’s bus network is open now.
Even if you don’t use the bus, these decisions affect traffic, parking, and how the city works.

It only takes a minute to share your thoughts. You can feed back online through this link, or you can pop into your local library for a paper copy.

Breadcrumbs You are here: Home > News > Have your say on the future of public transport Have your say on the future of public transport Published 13/05/2026 To bus or not to bus? We’re inviting residents to give feedback on the Metro bus and ferry services across Christchurch and parts of Waimakar...

11/05/2026

👓 👓 Need help with the cost of glasses or an eye test? 👓 👓

If you're on a low income or benefit, you may be able to get help with:
• Eye tests
• Glasses and lenses
• Frames
• Repairs

The standard amount available is up to $280 (this is a recoverable payment). If the optometrist says you have high clinical needs, extra help may sometimes be available.

You do NOT have to be on a benefit to apply, however, income and asset limits apply, depending on your situation.

If you think you qualify and want to apply, or you've been declined, get in touch with us to check your options.

28/04/2026

✉️📌 DID YOU KNOW ✉️📌

If MSD makes a decision you believe is wrong, you have the right to ask for a review. You need to apply within 3 months of the decision. You can complete a Review of Decision form, or write a letter to MSD.

If you’re thinking about challenging a decision, please talk to us first. We can guide you through the process and help you prepare your application.

Once MSD receives your request, they’ll complete an internal review and send you a letter within two weeks. If the decision doesn’t change, the Benefit Review Committee will contact you to arrange a hearing.

22/04/2026

❄️Winter Energy Payment is starting soon ❄️

If you’re receiving a main benefit, NZ Super, or certain other payments, you will receive the Winter Energy Payment. You don’t need to do anything — it’s paid automatically alongside your regular benefit.

📌 Payments start from 1 May
📌 Your first payment may be a part payment, depending on your pay cycle
📌 Full payments usually come through the following week

Weekly rates:
Single (no dependent children): $20.46
Couples or people with dependent children: $31.82

If you’re unsure whether you qualify or something doesn’t look right once payments start, it’s worth checking in.

If you need help understanding what you’re entitled to, reach out to us here or call us on 0800 00 00 43.

16/04/2026

The MSD Hornby office is currently closed due to flooding. If you have an appointment with them, they will contact you.

30/03/2026

Kia ora e te whānau, just a reminder that we will be closed for Easter Weekend. Our office will be shut on Friday 3 April and Monday 6 April.

If you want to contact us, leave us a message and we'll get back to you as soon as we can next week. Have a safe and happy long weekend.

25/03/2026

Important info on Easter Payments

📆 If you’re normally paid on Tuesday 7 April, you’ll be paid early on Friday 3 April. (Processing times depend on your bank)

💰 Income declarations: If you declare income regularly, make sure it’s submitted before 10pm on Wednesday 1 April.

🏢 WINZ closures: Service centres and contact centres will be closed on Good Friday (3 April) and Easter Monday (6 April).

Back to normal hours on Tuesday 7 April.