Apply online

Applying online is the easiest way to apply for a benefit or payment.

Follow the steps on this page to apply online for most benefits or payments, except for:

• NZ Super - go to Apply for NZ Super
• if you're on a study break and planning to return to study - go to Apply for Jobseeker Support Student Hardship on the StudyLink website.

Steps to apply online

Important steps when you apply online:

1. Get a client number (if you don't have one)
2. Log in to MyMSD
3. Complete the online application form
4. Complete your next steps.

You may be granted financial assistance from the date you request it. If you can't apply online today, contact us now, if you haven't already done so.

You have 20 working days from the date you first contact us to complete the application process.

Already started an online application?

Step 1 - Get a client number (if you don't have one)

This is a 9 digit number we issue you the first time you deal with us. This could be through Work and Income, StudyLink, Seniors or Youth Service. You'll need this anytime you contact us.

If you don't have a client number, or can't find it, you can request one by completing an online form. You'll need to tell us a few details like your name, date of birth, address and IRD number.

If you request a client number, we'll email or text one to you within 1-2 working days. If you fill in your IRD number, we can get back to you in a few hours.

After you get your client number, you'll need to apply in MyMSD.

Step 2 - Log in to MyMSD

MyMSD is our online service where you can apply and manage your information online.

Never used MyMSD

If you've never used MyMSD before, you'll need to register first. Enter your client number and date of birth, and follow the instructions to register.

Once you're in MyMSD, select 'Apply' to go to the online form. Some of your information will be automatically pre-filled, based off information you've already told us.

Used MyMSD before

Log in and select 'Apply' to go to the online form. Some of your information will be automatically pre-filled, based off information you've already told us.

Can't use MyMSD

If you can't use MyMSD, call us. We'll talk with you about the best way for you to apply. In most cases we'll need you to come in for a face-to-face appointment.

However, there may be times we'll be able to support you over the phone.

Step 3 - Complete the online application form

You complete the online application form in MyMSD. When filling out the form you'll need to provide a lot of information about you and your family, including:

• all income details for the last 52 weeks (eg wages, ACC, child support, dividends, rentals etc)
• anything that could earn you money in the next 52 weeks (e.g. rental income, dividends, ACC, child support, overseas payments)
• your expenses (e.g. housing, childcare, medical costs and hire purchase)
• IRD numbers (you can find this in letters from IRD or your payslips. If you can’t find it or don’t have one go to the Inland Revenue website)
• bank account details
• a phone number we can contact you on.

If you or your partner were not born in New Zealand, you’ll need to tell us your or their:

• country of birth and the date left
• date arrived in NZ
• date citizenship or permanent residence was granted.

Saving your answers

• Your answers are saved as you go.
• You can save a partly completed form and come back to it later.

If the application times out

• If you stay on the same page for more than 5 minutes you’ll be logged out.
• When you log in to return to your form you’ll start from your last completed page.

Step 4 - Complete your next steps in MyMSD

Once you've submitted your online form, you'll need to:

• read and agree to your obligations
• upload your documents
• get a medical certificate, if required (we need this before assistance is granted)
• verify your identity if this is your first time applying - you can do this either:
  • online using Identity Check, or
  • by bringing your ID into a service centre (you can do this during an appointment or without one)

  In most cases you'll need to come in for a face-to-face appointment. However, there may be times we’ll be able to support you over the phone.

  If you can't complete your next steps

  If you can't complete any of these steps, or you have a question, talk to us about ways we can help.