Need dental treatment and worried about the cost? Work and Income can help with dental costs and financial assistance for urgent dental help & treatment.
There’s no need to put off important dental treatment any longer. We have Work and Income registered dentists across New Zealand, who are happy to help get your oral health on track.
If you're on a low income or benefit, Work and Income may be able to help pay towards the cost of dental help & treatment, especially if it’s urgent.
What it is
We have a number of Work and Income registered practices across New Zealand.
We can provide quotes for you to take to Work and Income so you can find out how much assistance you're able to receive.
If you fit the criteria for Work and Income assistance you could be able to get the cost of your treatment covered, up to a maximum of $1000 (including restorations such as fillings), and also travel assistance if they meet the criteria.
Who can use it
You may be eligible for Work and Income assistance towards your dental treatment at our Work and Income registered dental practices.
To be eligible for Work and Income assistance for dental treatment, you need to be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident. You or your dependent child will also need to have an urgent or essential need for dental treatment. You also need to normally live in New Zealand and intend to stay here.
Your eligibility for Work and Income support will also depend on how much you and your partner earn and how many assets you and your partner own. To check if you are eligible visit the Work and Income website.
Have questions?
To be eligible for help from WINZ for dental treatment you need to be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident. You will also need to have urgent or essential need for dental treatment. Your eligibility will also depend on how much you earn, how much assets you own and how much your partner earns. You may be able to get help for essential dental treatment for you or a dependent child, if whoever needs it is in serious pain and the dentist has said that urgent work needs to be done. To check if you are eligible visit the Work and Income website.
You first need to check if your dentist is Work and Income registered, then get a quote from your dentist for the treatment you need. Make sure to tell your dentist that you’re applying through Work and Income and they'll fill out an Emergency Dental Treatment Information Form which will have the quote on it. You may be able to apply for dental treatment online with Work and Income or at a face-to-face appointment. You can find out more on the Work and Income website.
Work and Income may not cover the full cost of your dental treatment. If you need urgent dental treatment, Work and Income generally pay up to a maximum of $1000. They may be able to pay more depending on your situation. They will generally only make one payment for urgent dental treatment in a year. Please visit the Work and Income website for more details.
Work and Income registered dental services are not the same as a Community Services Card discount. Some Lumino practices also offer discounts to Community Services Card holders however you need to confirm this with the practice prior to booking your appointment.
Terms & Conditions
- WINZ dental consultation fees will apply at any Lumino The Dentists participating dentists. The WINZ dental consultation fee can be claimed back from Work and Income (WINZ) if the dental treatment plan is approved.
- Dental treatment plan needs to be approved by Work and Income (WINZ) prior to the treatment/s being booked in with a clinician.
- Work and Income (WINZ) may not be able to cover the full cost of your dental treatment and you may have to pay some of the money back depending on what your treatment plan requires.
- To apply you need to be 16 years of age or over, be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, normally live in New Zealand and intend to stay here and have an immediate and essential need.
- Your eligibility for Work and Income (WINZ) Dental Cover also depends on how much you and your partner earn and any money or assets you and your partner have. Your income will be assessed either weekly or yearly, depending on the kind of help you qualify for.