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Employment Assistance Grant - Information

The Employment Assistance Grant supports owners, descendants and whānau (excluding spouses/partners) who are working in New Zealand or looking for work. 

What can the grant help with? 

The grant can help with costs that support you to get into work, stay in work, or build employment-related skills, including: 

  • Short courses or training through an NZQA-approved provider, such as First Aid, work-related licences, certificates or trade-related courses.  
  • Work-related tools, equipment, PPE or safety boots recommended by your employer.  
  • Employment-related training or courses that improve your employment opportunities.  

If you are currently looking for work, you can apply for support towards training or courses that help you gain employment. Funding for tools or equipment is only available once you have secured employment. 

What do you need to provide? 

Depending on your application, you will be asked to provide one or more of the following: 

  • A quote  
  • An invoice  
  • A receipt  

We will contact your employer where confirmation of employment or other information relating to your application is required. 

How is the grant paid? 

If your application is approved, payment can be made: 

  1. To you as a reimbursement (payment for costs already paid), or  
  1. Directly to the supplier or training provider.  

If payment is made to you, you will be required to provide evidence showing the funding was used for the approved purpose. This could include: 

  • A named receipt showing the purchase or payment was made.  
  • Proof of course enrolment, attendance or completion.  

Important things to know 

  • You can apply before, during or after completing your course, as long as your application is submitted within the same calendar year.  
  • If you are studying, check whether our Post-Secondary Education Grant is more suitable for your course.  
  • If you are unable to complete your approved course or training, please let us know as soon as possible.  
  • You can make more than one application each year, up to the total value of $550.00 NZD per calendar year 

To apply, please complete the form below 

NOTE: Please wait for the confirmation message after you Submit your application. You will also receive an email confirming that we have received your submission.