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:


We will not be processing anymore Government Covid Fund applications due to reduced staffing levels over Christmas. We will resume processing applications on the 18th of January 2021.
We will however consider applications that are considered an emergency. Please click the button below to talk to your local District Support manager.  

The Government has provided the RNZRSA with a $2 million fund to support NZDF serving and ex- serving people and their whanau /families that are facing hardship as a result of Covid.

RNZRSA Government Grant

Service and ex-service people, and their families sometimes find themselves in need of financial assistance. Because of the unique sacrifice required by military service, ex and current military people and families are eligible to apply for financial assistance from the RNZRSA. 

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

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)
  • Invoices for work or services required
  • ​Medical recommendations/ notes recommending treatments
  • ​Other evidence that provides context to your need for a grant (for example photos, building reports, quotes, etc)
*If you are having difficulty completing the application please contact your District Support Manager for assistance.
Although we are currently NOT taking new applications we will consider applications that are considered an emergency. Please click the button below to talk to your local District Support manager.

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.
*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 dont 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

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)
*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.
Privacy Statement | Grant Policy

Copyright 2020 - RNZRSA, All Rights Reserved
Privacy Statement | Grant Policy

Copyright 2020 - RNZRSA, All Rights Reserved
Powered By ClickFunnels.com