NUESTRA VOZ - Work and Income: una ayuda en tiempos de crisis

4 minutes read
Posted 30 November, 2023

Work and Income: una ayuda en tiempos de crisis

El costo de la vida sube otra vez, como decía el famoso cantante dominicano Juan Luis Guerra, y para muchos se está haciendo difícil costear servicios básicos, encontrar trabajo o incluso pagar la renta.

En Queenstown, los locales seguimos pagando como si fuéramos turistas y, pese a que somos partes del motor de la economía de esta ciudad, no estamos recibiendo mucho a cambio. Ante esta realidad, y sin profundizar en esta crítica, prefiero hablar de soluciones, aunque sean temporales.

En un periodo de desempleo y con el aumento de mi arriendo, me vi casi en desesperación. Fue entonces cuando conocí esta entidad a la que acudí y que, por cosas del destino, no alcancé a utilizar sus servicios ya que encontré empleo el día antes de mi cita.

Estoy hablando de Work and Income, una organización perteneciente al Ministerio de Desarrollo Social de Nueva Zelanda, que entrega servicios y apoyo financiero a residentes y ciudadanos que tienen bajos ingresos o están desempleados, además de facilitar la inserción laboral y asistir en temas de vivienda. También, ofrecen servicios a empleadores y proveedores.

Pero, ¿en qué consiste esta ayuda?

Apoyo financiero

El Work and Income ofrece pagos para quienes tienen ingresos bajos o medios, por ejemplo, cubriendo gastos de vivienda; de cuidado infantil, como childcare o el uniforme escolar; gastos inesperados, como comida o la necesidad de una lavadora; costos de salud y discapacidad, por ejemplo, para prescripciones o un cuidador, entre otros. Además, ofrece la Superannuation de Nueva Zelanda para personas mayores de 65 años y pensiones para militares. Y dispone, también, de la Community Services Card para ayudar con costos médicos y de transporte público.

Inserción laboral

Este servicio brinda apoyo para prepararte para el trabajo, encontrar empleo, costos de ropa o viaje cuando comienzas un nuevo trabajo; iniciar un negocio y capacitarte mientras trabajas, así como para el proceso de reentrenamiento al finalizar un empleo.

Asistencia con vivienda

Work and Income ofrece, además, soluciones para situaciones de emergencia de alojamiento, búsqueda de viviendas, ayuda con costos como el arriendo y cuenta de electricidad, y apoyo para mudanzas.

Servicios para empleadores

También ofrece oportunidades para empleadores, incluyendo servicio de reclutamiento gratuito, apoyo y capacitación para empleados, así como apoyo en casos de reducción de personal.

El servicio ofrece confidencialidad y asistencia en doce idiomas, incluso con intérpretes si lo requieres; además de visitas de funcionarios si tienes problemas de movilidad, o reunirse en una sala privada cuando se discuta tu caso.

Solicitar ayuda en tiempos de crisis no siempre es fácil, pero si existen este tipo de servicios es bueno considerar darles una oportunidad. El sistema trabaja también para evitar fraudes y así otorgar ayuda a quienes realmente lo necesitan.

Para ver si cumples con los requisitos para acceder a estos beneficios e información más detallada, ingresa al sitio web workandincome.govt.nz

 

 

English Translation:

 

Work and Income: Help in Times of Crisis

The cost of living is rising again, as the famous Dominican singer Juan Luis Guerra used to say, and for many, affording basic services, finding work, or even paying rent is becoming increasingly difficult.

In Queenstown, locals continue to pay as if they were tourists, despite being a vital part of the city's economy, yet not receiving much in return. Faced with this reality, and without delving deeply into this criticism, I prefer to talk about solutions, even if they are temporary.

During a period of unemployment and with the increase in my rent, I found myself in almost desperation. It was then that I discovered this organization, which I reached out to, but fate intervened—I didn't get to use their services as I found employment the day before my appointment.

I'm talking about Work and Income, an organization belonging to the Ministry of Social Development of New Zealand, providing services and financial support to residents and citizens with low incomes or those who are unemployed, as well as aiding in job placement and housing matters. They also offer services to employers and providers.

But what does this help entail?

Financial Support

Work and Income provides payments for those with low or moderate incomes, covering housing expenses, childcare, unexpected costs like food or the need for a washing machine, health and disability-related expenses such as prescriptions or caregivers, among others. Additionally, they offer New Zealand Superannuation for individuals aged 65 or older, pensions for military personnel, and the Community Services Card to assist with medical and public transportation costs.

Job Placement

This service provides support to prepare for work, find employment, cover initial costs for a new job, start a business, provide ongoing training while employed, and assist in the retraining process after leaving a job.

Housing Assistance Work and Income also offers solutions for emergency housing situations, house hunting, aid with expenses like rent and electricity bills, and support for relocations.

Employer Services

They provide free recruitment services, employee support and training, as well as guidance in cases of downsizing.

The service ensures confidentiality and assistance in twelve languages, including interpreters if required, and can arrange visits for those with mobility issues, or private meetings if required as well.

Seeking help during times of crisis isn't always easy, but having these kinds of services available is worth considering. The system also works to prevent fraud, ensuring aid reaches those truly in need.

To check if you qualify for these benefits and for more detailed information, visit the website workandincome.govt.nz


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