Supported Living Payment for Carers: Eligibility and How to Apply
Supported Living Payment (SLP) is a weekly income payment from Work and Income for people who can’t work full-time because they’re caring for someone with a serious health condition, injury, or disability — distinct from Carer Support, which funds respite rather than ongoing income.
What it is
Unlike short-term benefits, SLP is designed for situations where caregiving makes employment difficult for the foreseeable future. It’s a regular weekly payment, not a reimbursement or respite subsidy.
Who qualifies — the caregiver
- • You’re caring full-time for someone at home who is not your partner
- • If you’re 18 or over with no dependent children, or 20 or over with dependent children, you may qualify
- • You generally need to have lived continuously in New Zealand for at least 2 years since becoming a citizen or permanent resident
How much it pays
Rates are reviewed and published by Work and Income, with net rates varying based on your individual circumstances (relationship status, dependent children, tax code). Rather than rely on a specific figure here — some unofficial sources online currently circulate unverified numbers for 2026 — check the current Supported Living Payment rates directly on workandincome.govt.nz for an accurate figure based on your situation.
How to apply
- • Complete the online application through Work and Income (check.msd.govt.nz has a tool to help you check what you might get before applying)
- • Work and Income will also check whether you qualify for other assistance based on your answers
- • Once approved, you’ll need to keep Work and Income updated on your circumstances
Ongoing requirements once you’re receiving SLP
- • You must respond to a “Confirming your Circumstances” form when sent — if you don’t respond by the due date, payments will stop
- • Work and Income reviews your circumstances at least once every 52 weeks
- • Your annual income is reviewed each year to confirm you’re getting the correct amount
- • If you have a partner, they may have obligations too
How this differs from Carer Support
Supported Living Payment is ongoing income support for carers who can’t work; Carer Support is a separate subsidy that reimburses respite costs so you can take a break. Many carers may be relevant to look into both — see our Carer Support guide for the respite side.
Keeping track of your circumstances
Since SLP requires regular circumstance confirmations and annual reviews, having your caregiving hours and situation clearly documented makes these check-ins much easier.FeatherKeep tracks this automatically as you go.