DPB, Accomodation Supplement & Rent Q’s.

So as some of you already know, we are moving out soon. I have come across a listing I'm really keen on but I'm concerned about the price of the place and how we will cope which has brought up all these questions in my mind - so I thought I'd pop on and see if anyone could help answer them before I go ringing WINZ and making an arse of myself!

I'm not sure how the Accommodation Supplement and Renting thing works when you're on the DPB. Could anyone here who has been in a similar situation as us please debrief me to some extent?

What steps do I take now? Is it better to ring WINZ and let them know I'm looking at moving out ...or do I not bother with them until AFTER I email the landlord/agent and apply for the place ...Or do I need to let them know because I will need help with bond/rent/furnishings?

Ideally I don't want to rush into this, Dad & I have mutually agreed it will be the best move for all of us, I need to get out there on my own etc. But he thinks I should wait till Spring/Summer because the cost of living will be less when I start off (ie. heating & electricity etc). I can see his point.

And what is the average price for rent in Auckland for a 2 bedroom place? Is 270 quite excessive?

I'm being real picky about areas/neighborhoods and security etc. We are looking at moving out to Pukekohe

Any advice on any of the things I've mentioned above would be greatly appreciated.

TIA

Edited by Mum2Lucas

I agree with Emma about phoning WINZ first as they will give you an idea of what you are entitled to. As for rent - we rented in Papatoetoe about 5 years ago and paid $230 for the first place (a real dump) and $250 for the 2nd so $270 seems reasonable with inflation. Until we sold our house in Watele Downs, we were renting it out for $370 (3 bed though). Good luck, it sounds very exciting!