If you or someone you know has recently been made redundant the government now provides compensation and assistance to help you while you’re out of work.  Below is the information you need to know:

1. The compensation payments are available through Work and Income (Winz) and are called ReStart.
2. ReStart is made up of 3 components:
1. RePlace: extra help with accommodation costs of up to $100 (if you’re already receiving the maximum accommodation supplement). If you receive more than $25,000 as a redundancy payment then you won’t be eligible to receive RePlace
2. ReCover: for families who have children and who were eligible for in-work tax credit before being made redundant. The payment is $60 a week for families with 1-3 children and $15 a week for any extra children.
3. ReConnect: help with CV’s, preparing for interviews, career planning and information about job vacancies. Anyone can get ReConnect.
3. You have 20 days to apply for the ReStart package from when you were made redundant.
4. To be eligible for ReStart you must:
1. Be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident and usually live in New Zealand;
2. Have been working continuously for 6 months before being made redundant (although it doesn’t have to be for the same employer);
3. Be looking for a full time job;
4. Have been made redundant from a full time job (full time means working 30 hours or more a week, or 20 hours or more a week for a sole parent) OR have been self employed and have no continuing work.
5. To find out if you’re eligible, or to apply for ReStart, contact Winz on 0800 559 000.
6. Note:  ReStart Assistance will no longer be available from 1 January 2011.  This means the last date you can apply for ReStart will be 31 December 2010.  If you are receiving ReStart on 31 December 2010, you can continue to receive it until your entitlement period finishes.