New Zealand Jobseeker Support: weekly rates and tax

Jobseeker Support weekly rates depend on age and family circumstances, with income tests and obligations affecting an individual's payment.

Single 18–19, at home

$276.46 net / $309.65 gross weeklyMinistry of Social Development, current Jobseeker Support rates

Single 20–24

$324.50 net / $367.88 gross weeklyMinistry of Social Development, current Jobseeker Support rates

Single 25+

$372.55 net / $426.12 gross weeklyMinistry of Social Development, current Jobseeker Support rates

Couple without children, total

$633.94 net / $717.50 gross weeklyMinistry of Social Development, current Jobseeker Support rates

Couple with children, total

$669.40 net / $760.48 gross weeklyMinistry of Social Development, current Jobseeker Support rates

Sole parent

$521.52 net / $606.69 gross weeklyMinistry of Social Development, current Jobseeker Support rates

Weekly rates with a stated tax basis

The Ministry of Social Development's current table states rates at 1 April 2026. All amounts are weekly, and net amounts are after tax at the M tax code. A single person aged 18–19 at home has a published rate of $276.46 net or $309.65 gross. A single person aged 18–19 away from home, or aged 20–24, has $324.50 net or $367.88 gross. For a single person aged 25 or older, it is $372.55 net or $426.12 gross. Ministry of Social Development, current Jobseeker Support rates (opens in a new tab).

Couple totals differ from each person's rate

A couple without children has a total rate of $633.94 net or $717.50 gross, with $316.97 net or $358.75 gross each. A couple with children has $669.40 net or $760.48 gross total, with $334.70 net or $380.24 gross each. The sole-parent rate is $521.52 net or $606.69 gross. The table separately lists partnered cases with a non-qualified partner or a partner receiving NZ Super or Veterans Pension where there are children. Ministry of Social Development, current Jobseeker Support rates (opens in a new tab).

A maximum is not a personal award

Work and Income labels its payment tables as maximum rates. A recipient's income or a partner's income can reduce the payment. If income is too high, the payment can reduce to zero and then stop after 6 weeks at zero. Child support payments received count as income for the benefit. Eligibility also depends on age, ability to work and residency status. Work and Income, Jobseeker Support (opens in a new tab).

Eligibility and ongoing obligations

Jobseeker Support helps people looking for work or unable to work because of a health condition, injury or disability. The minimum age is 18, or 20 with dependent children. Eligible people may be unemployed and seeking full-time work, in part-time work and seeking more, or reducing or stopping work for health reasons. Obligations can include reporting changes and finding or preparing for work. Continuing recipients must reapply after 26 weeks, described as 6 months. Work and Income, Jobseeker Support (opens in a new tab).

Scope of this explanation

This guide describes selected published rate categories. It is not an entitlement decision and does not calculate income deductions, a stand-down period or a person's net tax position. It does not assess residency, medical evidence or compliance with obligations. No Jobseeker Support calculator or worked benefit example is provided here. The guide does not select a tax code or promise a particular payment.

Related guides