Accommodation Supplement Calculator
Estimate your Accommodation Supplement from MSD/WINZ based on rent, region, and household income. Region-based caps apply across NZ.
About this calculator
This calculator implements Accommodation Supplement area rates from Work and Income (MSD). Last consulted 1 April 2026. Verify the figures yourself by following the link.
Current Accommodation Supplement rules
FY 2026-27 (area boundaries from MSD)- •Entry threshold (must exceed): ~$92/wk rent
- •Subsidy rate above threshold: 70% of eligible cost
- •Area 1 max (Auckland CBD): $305/wk single (couples/families higher)
- •Area 2 max (Welling, ChCh): $220/wk single
- •Area 3 max (regional cities): $160/wk single
- •Area 4 max (rural): $120/wk single
- •Income abatement (single): 25¢ per $1 over $600/wk
- •Income abatement (couple): 25¢ per $1 over $900/wk
Source: WINZ — Accommodation Supplement
Disclaimer
This calculator provides estimates for general information purposes only. Results should not be relied upon as professional financial, tax, or legal advice. Tax rates and thresholds are based on publicly available IRD data and may change. Always consult a qualified tax agent or financial adviser for advice specific to your circumstances.
How Accommodation Supplement is calculated
Subsidy for housing costs (rent or mortgage). Amount depends on rent, income, household size, and area (4 zones with different max rates).
- 1
Entry threshold (rent must exceed)
Entry = base_benefit_single × 25% = ~$92/wk
Rent below this gets nothing — covers basic housing cost.
- 2
Eligible housing cost
Eligible = max(0, weekly_rent − entry_threshold)
Only rent ABOVE threshold counts.
- 3
70% subsidy + area cap
Subsidy = min(eligible × 70%, area_cap)
Area 1 (Auckland CBD): max $305. Area 4 (rural): max $120.
- 4
Income abatement
Reduction = max(0, weekly_income − $600 single / $900 couple) × 25%
High income → reduced or no supplement.
- 5
Final weekly payment
Final = max(0, subsidy − income_abatement)
Result is your weekly Accommodation Supplement.
Worked example
Inputs: $500/wk rent, $700/wk income, Auckland (Area 1), single
Result: Eligible $408 × 70% = $286 (under $305 cap). Income abatement $25 → $261/wk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can get the Accommodation Supplement?
How much Accommodation Supplement can I get?
How is the Accommodation Supplement Area decided?
The Accommodation Supplement is a weekly payment from MSD/Work and Income to help with rent, board, or mortgage costs. The amount depends on your income, assets, family size, and which Accommodation Supplement Area (1–4) you live in. Areas with higher housing costs (e.g. Auckland, Wellington) get higher maximums.
How this calculator works
Enter your weekly rent, family size, region, and income. The calculator works out your "entry threshold" (25% of base benefit) and pays 70% of housing costs above that, up to the area-based cap.
Accommodation Supplement Area Maximums (2026-27)
| Area 1 (Auckland CBD, etc.) | $305/wk single, $480/wk family 4+ |
| Area 2 (most cities) | $220/wk single, $360/wk family 4+ |
| Area 3 (smaller towns) | $160/wk single, $260/wk family 4+ |
| Area 4 (rural) | $120/wk single, $200/wk family 4+ |
Indicative figures. Check the current MSD area maps for your address.
Worked Examples
Single person, Area 1 (Auckland), $500/week rent, $700/week net income
Approx Accommodation Supplement: $215/week
- Entry threshold: ~$92/week (25% of base benefit)
- Housing cost above threshold: $500 - $92 = $408
- Eligible amount: $408 × 70% = $286
- Capped at Area 1 single max: $305 (no cap reduction)
- Income abatement may reduce this if income exceeds the cut-off
Built and maintained by Konstantin Iakovlev. Data sourced from the IRD and official New Zealand government sources.
Last reviewed: