What the wellbeing support service provides#

Free holistic service#

The wellbeing support service takes a holistic approach to supporting you while you are engaging in the Ministry’s sensitive claims process. It is a free service that is voluntary for current claimants and their whānau.

Practical support#

The wellbeing support service can help you with the things you would like to improve in your life right now. It is a short-term mechanism to get support while you are waiting for your claim to be processed.

Support if you need it#

The wellbeing support service is not part of your claim. You don’t have to access the service, and it won’t impact any redress package that may be offered to settle your claim.

Types of supports we can offer#

We will be flexible with the types of services we provide to support you and your whānau. It could include:

• counselling
• healthcare services such as a doctor, dentist, audiologist, massage therapist, or practitioners of rongoā and mirimiri
• referrals to services such as Housing, Work and Income, iwi, local or community social services, law centre
• gym membership
• transport such as a bike, or taxis to get to appointments
• tattoo removal
• childcare or access to educational support for children
• budgeting support
• specialised services such as family therapy, diagnostic assessments including dyslexia and ADHD, or respite care
• food, petrol, or clothing vouchers
• equipment that supports study or job seeking such as home office set up, stationery, or a laptop
• household goods such as beds, linen, or kitchenware.

Counselling sessions#

The wellbeing support can include counselling sessions, which many claimants find helpful while going through our sensitive claims process. You can have a series of sessions, and you do not have to use these all at once.

You are welcome to choose which counsellor to see and we will pay them directly. If you are interested in accessing counselling, let us know.

Accessing this service#

You must live in New Zealand to access the wellbeing support service, except for counselling. Counselling is available to claimants who live overseas as well as those who live in New Zealand.

We are unable to provide the wellbeing support service to people who are in prison.