Employee Support
Help with Essential Costs
The government has provided further individual Help with Essential Costs through Work and Income, this will provide urgent help with costs like:
Food
Accommodation costs (rent, mortgage, board)
Power, gas and water bills or heating
Medical and dental costs
Bedding
Individuals must apply for this support themselves through Work and Income.
Mortgage Holidays
The government as announced a six-month Mortgage Holiday for individuals that are eligible for this, you must contact your bank to find out if you are eligible and to apply.
KiwiSaver Contribution Holiday
If you are currently making contributions to KiwiSaver, you have options to lower your contribution rate to a minimum of 3% or apply for a Savings Suspension.
To lower your rate you will need to complete the KS2 Form and return this to your Employer, if you would like to apply for a Savings Suspension you must complete a KS6 Form and lodge this with IRD, once this is approved yourself and your Manager will receive a confirmation letter and the change can then be made in payroll.
IRD are currently turning these requests around within days of an application being made.
Mental Healthiness
Looking after your Mental Health during this time is extremely important and we encourage you to regularly go for walks, speak to your friends and family and seek help from the below helplines, if you are not feeling ‘OK’.
1737 – Call or Text for support from a trained Counselor
Lifeline – 0800 543 354
Youthline – 0800 376 633
Samaritans – 0800 726 666
Visit mentalhealth.org.nz
The Government have announced increased funding for the following apps to help anyone needing help with managing their mental health and wellbeing during COVID-19, we highly recommend sharing these resources with your team and make sure you check out yourself.
Here’s the details from Jacinda Ardern’s latest update:
“This app was created by All Blacks legend and mental health advocate Sir John Kirwan, and while originally targeted towards workplaces, we’ve extended the funding for this app so it’s available to all Kiwis throughout the COVID-19 response. It includes articles, resources and mental health ‘training’ tools so you can track how you’re feeling and learn some practical tips”
“This app gives you the opportunity to reach out to an online community of Kiwis who may be experiencing the same thoughts and feelings you are, while also providing a health journal, self-awareness tools and other useful resources. Melon’s also going to be updated with additional resources for our teens and young adults in the coming weeks, so if you’re a parent or young person keep an eye out on this app for some content specifically created for you”
“This is a web-based e-therapy tool, and is a more structured step-by-step online course for people who are feeling any kind of pressure and distress from the impacts of COVID-19”
Krista McDowell
HR Partner