If you’re on a low income or benefit, we may be able to help you pay for immediate and essential dental treatment.
Immediate and essential dental treatment includes treatment such as fillings and extractions, but not periodic cleaning or check-ups. See more examples in the ‘What you can get’ section.
You can apply for up to $1,000 a year (any 52-week period), to help with immediate and essential dental treatment. You don’t have to pay this back.
We may still be able to help if the cost of your dental treatment is more than $1,000. You may need to pay some of this back, depending on your situation. Talk to us about how we can help.
You don’t have to be on a benefit to qualify.
Who can get it
You may be able to get help for dental treatment for yourself or a child, if immediate and essential work needs to be done.
To apply, you need to:
- be 16 or over (if you’re 16-19 and have a Youth Service provider, contact Youth Services)
- be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident
- normally live in New Zealand and intend to stay here
- have an immediate and essential need.
It also depends on:
- how much you (and your partner) earn
- any money or assets you (and your partner) have.
Your income will be assessed either weekly or yearly, depending on the kind of income or benefit you receive.
Click here to read more at the original web page at www.workandincome.govt.nz