text messages

Text message said:

From Youth Service: Your payment started [date]. You are at green in the traffic light system

To review or dispute this decision, or for more information, speak to your Youth Service provider or search youthservice.govt.nz/text

What the text means:

"Your payment has started"

This means your Youth Payment or Young Parent Payment has been approved, and you’ll start getting money from the date shown.

"You are at green in the traffic light system"

It means you’re meeting all your obligations like going to education, training or work-based learning, turning up to appointments, and doing what you agreed with your Youth Coach. “Green” means everything’s on track.

"To review or dispute this decision, or for more information, speak to your Youth Service provider or search youthservice.govt.nz/text"

If you think something’s not right, or you have questions about the payment or your traffic light status, talk to your Youth Service provider.

You can also view your payment details on MyMSD.

Text message said:

From Youth Service: Your payment started [date]. We owed you [$amount] which has been paid to you. You are at green in the traffic light system

To review or dispute this decision, or for more information, speak to your Youth Service provider or search youthservice.govt.nz/text

What the text means:

"Your payment has started" 

This means your Youth Payment or Young Parent Payment has been approved, and you’ll start getting money from the date shown.

"We owed you [$amount] which has been paid"

You were meant to get some money earlier, and that has now been sorted. The full amount has been paid to you.

"You are at green in the traffic light system"

It means you’re meeting all your obligations like going to education, training or work-based learning, turning up to appointments, and doing what you agreed with your Youth Coach. “Green” means everything’s on track.

"To review or dispute this decision, or for more information, speak to your Youth Service provider or search youthservice.govt.nz/text"

If you think something’s not right, or you have questions about the payment or your traffic light status, talk to your Youth Service provider.

You can also view your payment details on MyMSD.

Text message said:

Hi. What you pay back for your debt changed on [date]. Talk to your provider or go to workandincome.govt.nz/text for more info or to review this decision. Work and Income

What the text means:

"Hi. What you pay back for your debt changed on [date]."

• This means the amount you’re paying back (like for an overpayment or something you owe) has changed. It might’ve gone up or down depending on your situation.
• The change took effect from the date in the message.

"Talk to your provider or go to workandincome.govt.nz/text for more info or to review this decision."

If you’re unsure why it changed or think there’s a mistake, talk to your Youth Service provider.

You can also view your payment details on MyMSD. If you would like to know more, visit the debt page on the Work and Income website.

Text message said:

Hi. Your payment was reviewed on [date]. We owe [$amount] and this has been paid to you. Talk to your provider or go to workandincome.govt.nz/text for more info or to review this decision. Work and Income

What the text means:

"Hi. Your payment was reviewed on [date]. We owe [$amount] and this has been paid to you."

We've reviewed your payments on the date in the message and found that we owe you some money. This may be due to a back payment or a change in your situation, and we have now paid that amount to you.

"Talk to your provider or go to workandincome.govt.nz/text for more info or to review this decision. Work and Income"

If you think something’s not right or you have questions about the payment, talk to your Youth Service provider.

You can also view your payment details on MyMSD.

Text message said:

Hi. Your payment increased on #date#. Talk to your provider or go to workandincome.govt.nz/text for more info or to review this decision. Work and Income

What the text means:

"Hi. Your payment increased on [date]."

This means that the amount of money you get from Youth Service increased from the date shown in the message.

It could be due to a change in your situation, an update to your details, or a general increase in payment rates.

"Talk to your provider or go to workandincome.govt.nz/text for more info or to review this decision. Work and Income"

If you think something’s not right or you have questions about the payment, talk to your Youth Service provider.

You can also view your payment details on MyMSD

Text message said:

Hi. Your payment increased on [date]. We owe [$amount] and this has been paid to you. Talk to your provider or go to workandincome.govt.nz/text for more info or to review this decision. Work and Income

What the text means:

"Your payment increased"

This means the amount of money you get from Youth Service increased from the date shown in the message.

It could be due to a change in your situation, an update to your details, or a general increase in payment rates.

"We owe [$amount] and this has been paid to you"

Because of that change, Youth Service calculated that we owed you some extra money, which we've paid you.

"Talk to your provider or go to workandincome.govt.nz/text for more info or to review this decision. Work and Income"

If you think something’s not right or you have questions about the payment, talk to your Youth Service provider.

You can also view your payment details on MyMSD

Text message said:

Hi. Your payment decreased on [date]. Talk to your provider or go to workandincome.govt.nz/text for more info or to review this decision. Work and Income

What the text means:

"Your payment decreased"

The amount of money you get from Youth Service went down from the date shown in the message.

This could be because something changed in your situation, like your income or living arrangements.

"Talk to your provider or go to workandincome.govt.nz/text for more info or to review this decision. Work and Income"

If you think something’s not right or you have questions about the payment, talk to your Youth Service provider.

You can also view your payment details on MyMSD.

Text message said:

Hi. Your payment decreased and what you pay back for your debt changed on [date]. Talk to your provider or go to workandincome.govt.nz/text for more info or to review this decision. Work and Income

What the text means:

"Your payment decreased"

The amount of money you get from Youth Service went down from the date shown in the message.

This could be because something changed in your situation, like your income or living arrangements.

"What you pay back for your debt changed"

If you’re paying back a debt (like an overpayment), the amount you’re paying back has changed. This could be a higher or lower amount depending on your new situation.

"Talk to your provider or go to workandincome.govt.nz/text for more info or to review this decision. Work and Income"

If you’re unsure why it changed or think there’s a mistake, talk to your Youth Service provider.

You can also view your payment details on MyMSD. If you would like to know more, visit the debt page on the Work and Income website.

Text message said:

Hi. Payments we have been making on your behalf have changed on [date]. Talk to your provider or go to workandincome.govt.nz/text for more info or to review this decision. Work and Income

What the text means:

"Payments we have been making on your behalf have changed on [date]."

This means Youth Service has changed how much we pay directly to others for you, like your rent, power, or other bills.

These are usually called “Redirections” and help make sure your important costs are covered.

The change happened from the date in the message.

"Talk to your provider or go to workandincome.govt.nz/text for more info or to review this decision. Work and Income"

If you think something’s not right or you have questions about the payment, talk to your Youth Service provider.

You can also view your payment details on MyMSD.

Text message said:

Hi. Payments we have been making on your behalf and what you pay back for your debt changed on [date]. Talk to your provider or go to workandincome.govt.nz/text for more info or to review this decision. Work and Income

What the text means:

"Payments on your behalf have changed"

Youth Service has changed how much we're paying directly to others for you, like for rent, power, or other bills. These are called “Redirections".

"What you pay back for your debt changed"

If you’re paying back a debt (like an overpayment), the amount you’re paying back has also changed. It might have gone up or down depending on your situation.

These changes started from the date in the message.

"Talk to your provider or go to workandincome.govt.nz/text for more info or to review this decision. Work and Income"

If you’re unsure why it changed or think there’s a mistake, talk to your Youth Service provider.

You can also view your payment details on MyMSD. If you would like to know more, visit the debt page on the Work and Income website.

Text message said:

Hi. Payments we have been making on your behalf have changed on [date]. We owe {$amount] and this has been paid to you. Talk to your provider or go to workandincome.govt.nz/text for more info or to review this decision. Work and Income

What the text means:

"Payments on your behalf have changed"

Youth Service has changed how much we're paying directly to others for you, like rent, power, or other bills. These are called “Redirections.” The change started from the date in the message.

"We owe [$amount] and this has been paid to you"

Because of the change, we've calculated that we owe you some money, and we have paid you that amount.

"Talk to your provider or go to workandincome.govt.nz/text for more info or to review this decision. Work and Income"

If you think something’s not right or you have questions about the payment, talk to your Youth Service provider.

You can also view your payment details on MyMSD.

Text message said:

Hi from W&I. Your payment stopped on [date]. Log on to workandincome.govt.nz/text for details. You can review this decision

What the text means:

"Your payment stopped on [date]"

This means your Youth Payment or Young Parent Payment has ended as of the date in the message. 

It could be for lots of reasons, like finishing education or training, turning 18 or 19 or a change in your personal situation.

"Log on to workandincome.govt.nz/text for details. You can review this decision"

If you think something’s not right or you have questions about the payment, talk to your Youth Service provider.

You can also view your payment details on MyMSD.

Text message said:

Hi from W&I. Your payment stopped on [date]. You were overpaid and there is a debt. Please contact your provider. You can review this decision

What the text means:

"Your payment stopped"

Your Youth Payment or Young Parent Payment ended on the date shown.

"You were overpaid"

Youth Service gave you more money than you were meant to get, possibly because of a delay in updating your details or a change in your situation.

"There is a debt"

That extra money now needs to be paid back.

"Please contact your provider. You can review this decision"

If you’re unsure why it changed or think there’s a mistake, talk to your Youth Service provider.

You can also view your payment details on MyMSD. If you would like to know more, visit the debt page on the Work and Income website.

Text message said:

Hi from W&I. Reminder, your Payments will stop on [date]. Contact your provider to prepare for this

What the text means:

"Your payments will stop"

This is a heads-up that your Youth Payment or Young Parent Payment is coming to an end on the date in the message.

This could be because you’re finishing education, training or work-based learning, turning 18 or 20, or something else has changed in your situation.

"Contact your provider to prepare for this"

It’s a good idea to talk to your Youth Service provider now so you can make a plan, such as what support you might be able to get next or how to manage your money once the payments stop.

You can also view your payment details on MyMSD.

Text message said:

From Youth Service:
Your payments reduce from [date]. You didn’t [reason]. You are at orange traffic light

Talk to your Youth Service provider before [date] if you had a good reason for not doing this or to dispute/review this decision. See youthservice.govt.nz/text

What the text means:

"Your payments reduce from [date]"

The amount of money you get might go down from that date.

"You didn’t [reason]"

This means you didn’t meet one of your obligations, such as attending education or training, attending appointments, or keeping in touch. This is the first or second time you haven't met your obligations.

"You are at orange traffic light"

Orange traffic light means you have not met your obligations, and your payments have been affected. You still have time to sort it out and get back to green.

"Talk to your Youth Service provider before [date] if you had a good reason for not doing this or to dispute/review this decision."

If you have a good reason (like being unwell or dealing with something serious), let your Youth Service provider know before the date shown—they will be able to sort it out with you.

Text message said:

From Youth Service: Your payments reduced from [date]. You didn’t [reason]. You are at red in the traffic light system

To review or dispute this decision, or for more information, speak with your Youth Service provider or search youthservice.govt.nz/text

What the text means:

"Your payments reduced from [date]"

The amount of money you get has gone down starting from the date in the message.

"You didn’t [reason]"

This means you haven’t met one of your obligations like going to education or training, attending appointments, or staying in touch. This is the first or second time you haven't met your obligations.

"You are at red in the traffic light system"

Red means you’re not meeting your obligations, and your payments have been affected. You’ll need to work with your Youth Coach to get back on track.

"To review or dispute this decision, or for more information, speak with your Youth Service provider or search youthservice.govt.nz/text."

If you think this decision is wrong, or if you had a good reason for not meeting your obligations, talk to your Youth Service provider.

Text message said:

From Youth Service: Your payments will stop from [date]. You didn’t [reason]. You are at orange traffic light

Talk to your Youth Service provider before [date] if you had a good reason for not doing this or to dispute/review this decision. See youthservice.govt.nz/text

What the text means:

"Your Youth Payment will stop as this is the third time you have not met your obligations."

This means you haven’t met your obligations three times — for example, not going to school or a training course, missing appointments, or not staying in touch.

Because it’s the third time your Youth Payment will stop.

This will not change unless you:

• had a good reason for not doing this activity, or
• can now do this activity, or
• do an approved activity that is the same or similar to the one you failed.

You may be able to get your payment back if:

• You had a good reason (like being sick or dealing with something serious),
• You’re now able to do what was expected, or
• You start another activity that’s similar and approved by Youth Service (like another education or training course).

"Talk to your Youth Service provider before [date] if you had a good reason for not doing this or to dispute/review this decision. See youthservice.govt.nz/text"

If you have a good reason (like being unwell or dealing with something serious), let your Youth Service provider know before the date shown—they will be able to sort it out with you.

Text message said:

From Youth Service: Your payments stop on [date]. You didn’t meet your obligations. You are at red in the traffic light system

To review or dispute this decision, or for more information, speak to your Youth Service provider or search youthservice.govt.nz/text

What the text means:

"Your payments stop on [date]. You didn’t meet your obligations."

This means you haven’t met your obligations three times — for example, not going to school or training, missing appointments, or not staying in touch.

As this is the third time you haven't met your obligations in the past 12 months, you're not entitled to receive Youth Payment for 13 weeks. However, if you participate in an approved activity for six weeks, you can be granted a conditional benefit from the day you start the activity. Please get in touch with your Youth Service to learn more. 

"You are at red in the traffic light system"

Red traffic light means you’re not meeting your obligations, and your payments are being stopped because of that. You need to talk to your Youth Service provider immediately to get back on track.

"To review or dispute this decision, or for more information, speak to your Youth Service provider or search youthservice.govt.nz/text"

If you have a good reason (like being unwell or dealing with something serious), let your Youth Service provider know before the date shown—they will be able to sort it out with you.

Text message said:

From Youth Service: Your payment reduces 50% from [date]. You didn’t [reason]. Speak to us before then. You are at orange traffic light

Talk to your Youth Service provider before [date] if you had a good reason for not doing this or to dispute/review this decision. See youthservice.govt.nz/text

What the text means:

"Your payment reduces 50% from [date]"

Starting from the date in the message, you'll receive only half your usual payment. This also means any costs we pay for you, such as your rent, power, or other bills, will stop. You will need to pay these yourself.

This will not change unless you:

• had a good reason for not doing this activity, or
• can now do this activity, or
• do an approved activity which is the same or similar to the one you failed.

You may be able to get your payment back if:

• You had a good reason (like being sick or dealing with something serious),
• You’re now able to do what was expected, or
• You start another activity that’s similar and approved by Youth Service (like another education or training course).

"You didn’t [reason]"

This means you didn’t meet one of your obligations, such as going to school or training, attending a parenting programme or appointment, or staying in touch.

You are at orange traffic light:

Orange traffic light means you have not met your obligations, and your payments have been affected. You still have time to sort it out and get back to green.

"Talk to your Youth Service provider before [date] if you had a good reason for not doing this or to dispute/review this decision. See youthservice.govt.nz/text"

If you have a good reason (like being unwell or dealing with something serious), let your Youth Service provider know before the date shown—they will be able to sort it out with you.

Text message said:

From Youth Service: Your payments reduced from [date]. You didn’t [reason]. You are at red in the traffic light system

To review or dispute this decision, or for more information, speak with your Youth Service provider or search youthservice.govt.nz/text

What the text means:

"Your payment reduced from [date]"

As this is the third time you haven't met your obligations in the past 12 months, you're not entitled to receive your benefit for 13 weeks. However, if you participate in an approved activity for six weeks, you can be granted a conditional benefit from the day you start the activity. Please contact your Youth Service provider to find out more. 

"You didn’t [reason]"

This means you didn’t meet one of your obligations, such as going to school or training, attending a parenting programme or appointment, or staying in touch.

You are at red traffic light:

Red traffic light means you’re not meeting your obligations, and your payments are being reduced because of that. You need to talk to your Youth Service provider immediately to get back on track.

"Talk to your Youth Service provider before [date] if you had a good reason for not doing this or to dispute/review this decision. See youthservice.govt.nz/text"

If you have a good reason (like being unwell or dealing with something serious), let your Youth Service provider know before the date shown—they will be able to sort it out with you.

Text message said:

Hi. Your childcare hours have increased to [number of hours] hours a week. Talk to your provider or go to workandincome.govt.nz/text for more info or to review this decision. Work & Income

What the text means:

"Your childcare hours have increased"

Youth Service has approved more funded hours for your childcare. This means you can now get up to the number of hours shown in the message each week.

This change could be because you're doing more hours in education, training or work-based learning, or because of changes in your whānau situation.

"Talk to your provider or go to workandincome.govt.nz/text for more info or to review this decision. Work & Income"

If you think something’s not right or you have questions about the payment, talk to your Youth Service provider.

You can also view your payment details on MyMSD

Text message said:

Hi. Your childcare hours have increased to [number of hours] hours a week. We have paid [$amount] to the childcare centre. Talk to your provider or go to workandincome.govt.nz/text for more info or to review this decision. Work & Income

What the text means:

"Childcare hours have increased"

You can now get up to the number of hours shown each week, paid for by Youth Service — this is based on your needs, like the time you're spending in education, training or work-based learning.

"We have paid [$amount] to the childcare centre"

That’s the amount Youth Service has already paid directly to your childcare provider to cover those hours.

"Talk to your provider or go to workandincome.govt.nz/text for more info or to review this decision. Work & Income"

If you think something’s not right or you have questions about the payment, talk to your Youth Service provider.

You can also view your payment details on MyMSD

Text message said:

Hi. Your childcare hours have decreased to [number of hours] hours a week. Talk to your provider or go to workandincome.govt.nz/text for more info or to review this decision. Work & Income

What the text means:

"Childcare hours have decreased"

Youth Service is now covering fewer hours for childcare each week — the number of hours is shown in the message. This might be because of a change in your education, training or work-based learning hours, or your personal situation.

"Talk to your provider or go to workandincome.govt.nz/text for more info or to review this decision. Work & Income"

If you think something’s not right or you have questions about the payment, talk to your Youth Service provider.

You can also view your payment details on MyMSD

Text message said:

Hi. Your childcare hours have decreased to [number of hours] hours a week. We have paid [$amount] to the childcare centre. Talk to your provider or go to workandincome.govt.nz/text for more info or to review this decision. Work & Income

What the text means:

"Childcare hours have decreased"

Youth Service will now cover fewer hours of childcare each week. The new weekly total is in the message.

"We have paid [$amount] to the childcare centre"

This amount has been paid directly to your childcare provider based on the new number of hours.

"Talk to your provider or go to workandincome.govt.nz/text for more info or to review this decision. Work & Income"

If you think something’s not right or you have questions about the payment, talk to your Youth Service provider.

You can also view your payment details on MyMSD

Text message said:

Hi. GCAP started on [date] for [number of hours] hours a week. Talk to your provider or go to workandincome.govt.nz/text for more info or to review this decision. Work & Income

What the text means:

"GCAP started on [date]"

This means your Guaranteed Childcare Assistance Payment (GCAP) has started from the date in the message.

"For [number of hours] hours a week"

This is how many hours of childcare each week Youth Service is helping to pay for.

"Talk to your provider or go to workandincome.govt.nz/text for more info or to review this decision. Work & Income"

If you think something’s not right or you have questions about the payment, talk to your Youth Service provider.

You can also view your payment details on MyMSD

Text message said:

Hi. Your GCAP started on [date] for [number of hours] hours a week. We have paid [$amount] to the childcare centre. Talk to your provider or go to workandincome.govt.nz/text for more info or to review this decision. Work & Income

More information:

"Your GCAP started on [date["

Your Guaranteed Childcare Assistance Payment (GCAP) began on the date in the message.

"For [number of hours] hours a week"

That’s how many hours of childcare Youth Service is helping to pay for each week.

"We have paid [$amount] to the childcare centre"

This amount has already been paid directly to your childcare provider to cover the approved hours.

"Talk to your provider or go to workandincome.govt.nz/text for more info or to review this decision. Work & Income"

If you think something’s not right or you have questions about the payment, talk to your Youth Service provider.

You can also view your payment details on MyMSD

Text message said:

Hi. Your GCAP stopped on [date]. Talk to your provider or go to workandincome.govt.nz/text for more info or to review this decision. Work & Income

What the text means:

"Your GCAP stopped on [date]"

Your Guaranteed Childcare Assistance Payment (GCAP) ended on the date in the message. This might be because your education, training or work-based learning ended, your childcare needs changed, or you no longer meet the criteria.

"Talk to your provider or go to workandincome.govt.nz/text for more info or to review this decision. Work & Income"

If you’re unsure why it stopped or think there’s been a mistake, talk to your Youth Service provider.

Text message said:

Hi. Your GCAP stopped on [date]. We have paid [$amount] to the childcare centre. Talk to your provider or go to workandincome.govt.nz/text for more info or to review this decision. Work & Income

What the text means:

"GCAP stopped on [date]"

Your Guaranteed Childcare Assistance Payment (GCAP) ended on the date in the message. This could be because you finished education, training or work-based learning, or your circumstances changed.

"We have paid [$amount] to the childcare centre"

This is the final payment Youth Service made to your childcare provider to cover any remaining approved hours.

If you’re unsure why it stopped or think there’s been a mistake, talk to your Youth Service provider.

Text message said:

Hi. Your child is turning 3. Talk to your childcare centre about 20 hours ECE. Go to workandincome.govt.nz/text for more info. Work & Income

More information:

The New Zealand Government covers up to 20 hours a week of Early Childhood Education (20 Hours ECE) for children aged 3 to 5 who are enrolled in an early childhood service.

You can choose to get 20 Hours ECE, the Guaranteed Childcare Assistance Payment (GCAP), or a mix of both—but not for the same hours.

Let us know straight away if your child starts getting 20 Hours of ECE. We may need to adjust your GCAP to ensure you’re getting the right amount and avoid missing out on payments or owing money later.