How do I make a claim of abuse with MSD?

You can contact MSD about making a claim by phone, email, letter or using a form 

You can contact the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) about making a claim by: 

• phone: 0800 631 127 and speaking with a Historic Claims staff member
• email: historicclaims@msd.govt.nz 
• completing the claim Registration Form and sending it to historicclaims@msd.govt.nz 
• writing to the Ministry of Social Development, Historic Claims, PO Box 1556, Wellington 6140. 

You can also speak with a lawyer to get their help to make a claim. They will be able to let you know if you can get legal aid. Learn more about legal advice and support you can access. 

MSD will repay any reasonable legal aid debt that you incur when they settle your claim, and they normally also pay your reasonable legal costs if you are not eligible for legal aid. 

Support is available when you make a claim 

You can get support if the Historic Claims team decides your claim is eligible. Learn what claims are eligible for MSD Historic Claims.

If you make a claim with MSD Historic Claims, they can provide support for the claims process, including:  

• support to get counselling   
• referrals to a wraparound support service that is funded by MSD.  

The wraparound support service includes community-based services in the Wellington and Auckland regions.

The Historic Claims team will discuss your support needs with you, and try to answer your questions.  

This support is also available if you are being represented by a lawyer.  

It can be helpful to have someone to talk to before, during and after making a claims, about how you are feeling. Learn where you can find support.