Jobseeker Support is the main benefit for people who are out of work, or who can't work full time because of a health condition, injury or disability. The rates went up on 1 April 2026. It's paid weekly.
Jobseeker Support rates from 1 April 2026
These are weekly amounts, as published by Work and Income. The after-tax figure uses tax code M.
If you don't have children
| Your situation | Before tax | After tax (M) |
|---|---|---|
| Single, 18 to 19, living at home | $309.65 | $276.46 |
| Single, 18 to 19, away from home | $367.88 | $324.50 |
| Single, 20 to 24 | $367.88 | $324.50 |
| Single, 25 or over | $426.12 | $372.55 |
| Couple (total) | $717.50 | $633.94 |
| Couple (each) | $358.75 | $316.97 |
If you have children
| Your situation | Before tax | After tax (M) |
|---|---|---|
| Sole parent | $606.69 | $521.52 |
| Couple (total) | $760.48 | $669.40 |
| Couple (each) | $380.24 | $334.70 |
| Couple, one partner not on a benefit (total) | $380.24 | $334.70 |
| Couple, one partner on NZ Super or Veteran's Pension (total) | $380.24 | $334.70 |
For comparison, a full-time week on the adult minimum wage is $958 before tax. The minimum wage post has the take-home figures.
Who can get Jobseeker Support
Age
You must be 18 or older, or 20 or older if you have dependent children.
Residence
You must be a New Zealand citizen or hold a residence class visa, and you must have lived in New Zealand continuously for at least 2 years since you became a citizen or got your visa. You must also be ordinarily resident in New Zealand.
Work
You must be one of these:
- unemployed and looking for full-time work
- working part time and looking for more work
- needing to work less, or stop working, because of a health condition, injury or disability
Income
Your income, and your partner's if you have one, must be under a limit. These are the weekly limits before tax that Work and Income publishes:
| Your situation | Weekly income limit (before tax) |
|---|---|
| Single, 18 to 19, living with parents | $555 |
| Single, 18 to 19, living away from parents | $624 |
| Single, 20 to 24 | $624 |
| Single, 25 or over | $693 |
| Couple, no children | $1,066 |
| Couple, with children | $1,117 |
| Sole parent | $957 |
Earning less than the limit doesn't mean you get the full rate. Work and Income reduces the payment as your other income rises, using its income deduction tables.
Obligations
While you get Jobseeker Support, you have obligations. They include looking for work, telling Work and Income about changes, and taking part in work ability assessments. If you don't meet them, your benefit can be reduced or stopped. If you still need Jobseeker Support after 26 weeks, you have to reapply.
How to apply
- Fill in the online form in MyMSD.
- Complete your "Next steps" in MyMSD. That includes getting your documents together and creating a Jobseeker profile.
- If a health condition, injury or disability affects your ability to work, get a Work Capacity Medical Certificate from your health practitioner.
- Go to an appointment with Work and Income.
Work and Income says some payments may have a stand-down period, which is a wait before payments start.
You'll need an IRD number for your benefit. If you don't have one, here's how to get an IRD number.
Common questions
How much is Jobseeker Support a week?
From 1 April 2026, $426.12 before tax ($372.55 after tax at M) for a single person aged 25 or over. Rates for other situations are in the tables above.
Is Jobseeker Support paid weekly or fortnightly?
Weekly.
Can I get Jobseeker Support if I work part time?
Yes, if you're looking for more work and your income is under the limit. Your other income reduces the payment.
What tax code do I use on a benefit?
M is the code for a main benefit. The after-tax rates above use it.
How long can I get Jobseeker Support for?
You have to reapply if you still need it after 26 weeks.
Sources: Work and Income, Benefit rates at 1 April 2026 and Jobseeker Support; Inland Revenue, Tax code declaration (IR330); Employment New Zealand, Minimum wage is increasing on 1 April 2026. Checked October 2026.