The Royal New Zealand Returned and Services’ Association (RNZRSA) received a Government grant of $2 million in September 2020. Due to the large number of applications, RNZRSA are now only accepting urgent applications for financial assistance.
The RNZRSA COVID-19 Fund provides support to serving and ex-serving members of the New Zealand Defence Force, and whānau, who are facing urgent financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
To find out if you or someone you know is eligible for urgent financial assistance, please contact your local district support manager:
RNZRSA Government Grant
Who is Eligible?
Current and ex-servicing NZDF military personnel and their families/whanau.
Applications will be assessed on a needs-basis to alleviate financial, medical and educational hardship.
* District or local RSAs are able to apply on behalf of applicants.
What can we assist with?
Welfare applications may include but are not limited to applications related to:
- Emergency accommodation and meals (short duration)
-
Assistance with essential day to day expenses such as electricity, phone, internet, water, rates, groceries (short duration)
-
Emergency counselling or other heath professional support
-
Providing an emotional support person, covering their travel, meals and accommodation for the period of the emergency
-
Medical expenses to relieve suffering or stabilise a medical condition
-
Dental appointments to relieve suffering
-
A single rent or mortgage payment
-
Unexpected and overwhelming debt which adversely effects an applicant’s welfare, and health and safety
What don't we assist with?
Welfare applications will not be approved for:
- Medical therapies provided by the public health system
- Surgical treatment provided by the public health system
- Cosmetic surgery
- Complimentary or alternative health care, overseas travel including travel for medical treatments
- Credit card debt
- Alcohol and non prescription drugs
- Investments in business ventures
- Financial investments
Have a question?
How long will it take for me to get processed?
If your request is an emergency, you will be contacted as soon as possible. Urgent Needs Grants will be processed before Non-Urgent Needs.
Who administers the grant?
The RNZRSA administers and distributes all grants.
Can an organisation apply for a grant?
An organisation can apply on behalf of an individual. No grants will be given to an organisation.
I live outside New Zealand. Can I still apply?
No. You must be residing in New Zealand.
I served with overseas forces. Can I still apply?
No. You must have served in the NZDF.
Who is Eligible?
The following people may be eligible for RNZRSA Government Covid grant:
Current and ex-servicing NZDF military personnel and their families/whanau.
Applications will be assessed on a needs-basis to alleviate financial, medical and educational hardship.
What can we assist with?
Welfare applications may include but are not limited to applications related to:
- Emergency accommodation and meals (short duration)
-
Assistance with essential day to day expenses such as electricity, phone, internet, water, rates, groceries (short duration)
-
Emergency counselling or other heath professional support
-
Providing an emotional support person, covering their travel, meals and accommodation for the period of the emergency
-
Medical expenses to relieve suffering or stabilise a medical condition
-
Dental appointments to relieve suffering
-
A single rent or mortgage payment
-
Unexpected and overwhelming debt which adversely effects an applicant’s welfare, and health and safety
What dont assist with?
Welfare applications will not be approved for:
How to apply?
You can apply for yourself or on behalf of someone in need.
We recommend you talk with your District Support Manager who can provide you with advice around your particular situation.
If you wish to apply directly, please;
- Download the application form below
-
Fill in the application to the best of your ability
- Attach supporting evidence of need, including
- Proof of service
- A bank statement showing your account name and number (for payment)
-
Medical recommendations/ notes recommending treatments
-
Other evidence that provides context to your need for a grant (for example photos, building reports, quotes, etc)
-
Send application and supporting documentation to grants@rsa.org.nz
*If you are having difficulty completing the application please contact your District Support Manager for assistance.
Have a question?
How long will it take for me to get processed?
If your request is an emergency, you will be contacted as soon as possible. Urgent Needs Grants will be processed before Non-Urgent Needs.
Who administers the grant?
The RNZRSA administers and distributes all grants.
Can an organisation apply for a grant?
An organisation can apply on behalf of an individual. No grants will be given to an organisation.
I live outside New Zealand. Can I still apply?
No. You must be residing in New Zealand.
I served with overseas forces. Can I still apply?
No. You must have served in the NZDF.