Best Redundancy Insurance in New Zealand and how it works
- By Willi Olsen
- Updated 23 April 2023
Many mistakenly believe that by getting income protection insurance, they’re automatically covered for involuntary redundancy (i.e. dismissed from employment through no fault of their own).
That is not the case.
Redundancy Insurance pays a fixed dollar amount for six months if you are made involuntary redundant and is an optional extra benefit that can be added to income protection or mortgage protection insurance.
Unfortunately, job security seems to be a thing of the past, and nobody is indifferent to the threat of redundancy. In addition, many businesses in New Zealand are having to downsize due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With rising inflation and increasing interest rates, companies must cut back on expenses.
So, can you insure against redundancies?
What is Redundancy Insurance?
Redundancy cover, often called unemployment insurance, provides extra protection in case you’re made involuntarily redundant.
Redundancy insurance is designed to help you financially in the short term if you are laid off from your work. It pays you a monthly payment of up to $4,000 to month to help you keep up with bills and everyday living expenses while you look for a new job.
Many insurance companies and banks have stopped accepting new applications for redundancy cover since the outbreak and the New Zealand Government wage subsidy schemes were introduced.
Is Redundancy Insurance worth it
Redundancy insurance covers you financially if you are sacked, fired or involuntarily unemployed. To qualify for the benefits of the policy, it must have been in effect for at least 6 months before being made redundant. If your claim is successful, it will usually come with the following:
- Benefit payout is maximum $4,000 per month
- Pays for maximum 6 months,
- Stand down period: You must have had the policy for minimum 6-month,
- after a 30-day waiting period that begins on the date you became redundant.
How to find the best Redundancy Insurance?
We can help you compare income protection and redundancy insurance from New Zealand’s top insurers.
If you want to learn more about Redundancy Insurance, call us at 0800259925.
Have you been made redundant?
If you’ve been made redundant, it may be an idea to contact a career coach to help you transition into a new role
Mariska du Preez, career coach from Journey2Discover says “sometimes when people are made redundant, it is an opportunity to transition into a new career, maybe something you are more passionate about”.
Redundancy Insurance FAQ's
Does income protection cover redundancy?
Income protection insurance does not automatically cover you for redundancy. Redundancy insurance is usually an optional extra that insurers offer as part of income protection, and not all providers who provide income protection also offer this choice.
Does mortgage protection insurance cover redundancy?
By default, your mortgage protection insurance will not cover you if you lose your job. Mortgage protection often comes with various optional extras, including redundancy insurance. However, not every company that offers mortgage protection also allows customers to purchase this coverage.
How much are unemployment benefits per week?
If you’ve lost your job or can’t work at the moment, you may be able to get a JobSeeker benefit or some other financial help from Work and Income. It depends on your situation.
If you were receiving benefits from your redundancy insurance, your monthly benefits would amount up to a dollar figure (e.g. $4,000).
If you’re receiving unemployment benefits from Work and Income, the amount you’ll receive will depend on several different things, like which payment you’re eligible for (e.g. JobSeeker, Family Tax Credit, etc.) and your individual circumstances.
Work and Income can help you with unemployment benefits.
Can I access my Kiwisaver if I'm made redundant?
There are certain grounds on which you may access your Kiwisaver before retirement age, including severe financial hardship (which can happen after a job loss).
In this event, you must contact your Kiwisaver provider directly to apply for early release.
Remember any potential impacts that early withdrawal from your super can have on your future retirement lifestyle.