If you have been dismissed or pushed out of your job, benefit timing can matter. In some situations WINZ may impose a stand-down period, but there are ways to address that if the end of employment was not truly voluntary or was unfair.
What to do in the first week
- Get the basics in writing: ask for a termination letter or written reasons.
- Save evidence: texts, emails, and meeting notes, plus payslips and rosters.
- Raise a PG early: many personal grievances must be raised within 90 days.
If you have a MyMSD login and you are on a benefit or applying for a benefit or unemployment benefit as a result of being dismissed unfairly, we can help you.
Employee Case Form
You have 90 days from the date of termination of employment (or when the termination or dismissal has come to your notice) to raise a personal grievance for unjustified dismissal.
If you have been dismissed unfairly then we invite you to contact us as soon as possible.
WINZ 13 week non-entitlement
Work and Income New Zealand (WINZ) may not pay you anything for a period of time if you have voluntarily become unemployed or if you have been dismissed for misconduct. This is called the non-entitlement period.
You may have been in a situation where your former employer has improperly pressured you into resigning or you have been dismissed for misconduct unfairly when you have not in fact engaged in any misconduct.
We can write to WINZ
If you have been unfairly dismissed and we are challenging the dismissal by bringing a personal grievance, we can write a letter to your WINZ case manager to request that your benefit payments commence without delay.
Need help quickly?
If you have been dismissed (or pressured to resign) and benefit timing is an issue, submit the case form with your timeline and any letters or texts.
Employee Case Form
