Get a Social Worker – Support When You’re Struggling With Housing or Life Pressures

If you’re dealing with housing stress, health issues, family pressure, or you just can’t manage everything on your own, a social worker can step in and help. They can advocate for you, talk to agencies on your behalf, and help you access support you may not know exists.

This guide explains who can get a social worker, what they can help with, and how to ask for one.

What a Social Worker Can Help With

A social worker can support you with:

• Housing problems
• WINZ issues
• Family or relationship stress
• Health or disability needs
• Safety concerns
• Mental health challenges
• Budgeting and daily living support
• Accessing community services
• Advocacy at appointments

They’re there to help you stabilise your situation and reduce pressure.

Who Can Get a Social Worker

You may qualify for a social worker if:

• you’re struggling to manage your housing situation
• you’re dealing with stress, illness, or disability
• you’re at risk of homelessness
• you’re facing violence or unsafe living conditions
• you need help dealing with agencies like WINZ or Kāinga Ora
• you’re overwhelmed and need support to stay on track

You don’t need to be in crisis — early support is encouraged.

Where to Get a Social Worker

1. WINZ (Work and Income)

WINZ can refer you to a social worker if your housing or wellbeing is at risk.

Ask for:

• “A social worker or case manager who can support me with my situation.”

2. Community Social Services

Many community organisations offer free social workers, including:

• Family support services
• Māori and Pasifika providers
• Disability support organisations
• Mental health services
• Local community trusts

3. Hospitals and Health Providers

If you have health issues, your GP or hospital can refer you to a social worker.

4. Schools (for families)

If you have children, schools often have access to social workers who can support the whole whānau.

What a Social Worker Can Do for You

A social worker can:

• talk to WINZ on your behalf
• help you apply for housing
• support you at appointments
• help you access grants and support
• create a plan to stabilise your situation
• connect you with community services
• help with safety planning
• advocate for your rights

They’re on your side.

How to Ask for a Social Worker

When you contact WINZ, your GP, or a community service, you can say:

• “I’m struggling to manage my situation and need a social worker.”
• “I need support with housing and daily life.”
• “I need someone who can advocate for me.”

You don’t need to explain everything at once — just say you need support.

What to Bring

If possible, have:

• your ID
• tenancy documents
• letters from WINZ or your landlord
• medical information (if relevant)
• notes about what you’re struggling with

But if you don’t have these, still ask — they can help you gather what’s needed.

Copy and Paste This Email

Subject: Request for Social Worker Support

Kia ora,

I would like to request support from a social worker. I am currently dealing with housing and personal challenges and need help to manage my situation.

My situation involves: [brief description]

Please let me know what information you need from me and what the next steps are.

Ngā mihi, [Your Name]