How much is Jobseeker Support in NZ in 2026?

From 1 April 2026, Jobseeker Support rates (after tax, M code) are: single 25 or over $372.55 per week, single 20-24 $314.83, single 18-19 away from home $314.83, single 18-19 at home $268.26, couple without children $587.28 combined, couple with children (partner on benefit) $669.40 combined, sole parent $521.52. These are the maximum rates before any abatement for other income.

What is the Accommodation Supplement?

The Accommodation Supplement is a weekly payment from Work and Income to help with rent or mortgage costs. The maximum amount depends on where you live (Area 1 to Area 4), your family situation, and your income and assets. For example, a single person in Area 1 (central Auckland) can receive up to $190 per week, while in Area 4 (provincial) the maximum is $100 per week. It is not taxable.

What is the Winter Energy Payment?

The Winter Energy Payment is an automatic extra payment to help with heating costs over winter. It runs from 1 May to 1 October each year. Singles without children receive $20.46 per week and couples or people with children receive $31.82 per week. It is paid automatically to everyone receiving a main benefit, NZ Super, or a Veterans Pension during the qualifying period. You do not need to apply.

How much can I earn before my benefit is reduced?

For Jobseeker Support, you can earn up to $160 per week (gross) before your benefit is reduced. For each dollar earned above $160, your benefit is reduced by 70 cents. For Sole Parent Support, the abatement is 30 cents per dollar from $160 to $250, and 70 cents per dollar above $250. These thresholds apply to your gross (before tax) employment income.

How do I apply for a benefit in NZ?

You can apply online through MyMSD (my.msd.govt.nz) or by calling Work and Income on 0800 559 009. You will need your IRD number, bank account details, proof of identity, and information about your income and assets. Your benefit is generally backdated to the date you first contacted Work and Income or became eligible, whichever is later.

NZ Benefit Entitlement Estimator

Estimate your weekly benefit entitlement from Work and Income (MSD). Select your benefit type, situation, and location to see your main benefit rate, Accommodation Supplement, and Winter Energy Payment. All rates are from 1 April 2026 and are shown after tax (net, M tax code). Benefits may also come with additional entitlements such as Disability Allowance, childcare subsidies, and Community Services Card.

Updated April 2026 Work and Income benefit rates from 1 April 2026. Annual General Adjustment applied.

1. Your Situation

Benefit type

Your situation

Weekly employment income (gross, before tax)

$/wk

2. Housing and Location

Accommodation Supplement area

Weekly rent or mortgage

$/wk

Housing type

Is it winter? (1 May to 1 Oct)

Your Estimated Weekly Entitlement

Main Benefit

After tax, before abatement

Total Weekly
-
Benefit + supplements

Accommodation Supp.

Max for your area

Winter Energy

1 May to 1 Oct

Benefit Breakdown

Benefit type-

Situation-

Base rate (after tax)-

Employment income-

Abatement-

Benefit after abatement-

Accommodation Supplement-

Winter Energy Payment-

Estimated total weekly-

Accommodation Supplement Maximums

Area 1 (Auckland central)-

Area 2 (Wellington, Queenstown)-

Area 3 (Hamilton, Chch)-

Area 4 (provincial)-

Abatement threshold$160/wk gross income

Abatement rate (Jobseeker)70c per $1 above $160

Abatement rate (Sole Parent)30c to $250, 70c above

Estimate: -

Main Benefit Rates from 1 April 2026

The following rates are after tax (net) at the M tax code. Benefits are adjusted annually on 1 April based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The 2026 adjustment reflects 3.11% CPI increase.

Jobseeker Support (after tax, weekly)

Situation	Weekly (after tax)
Single, 25 or over	$372.55
Single, 20-24	$314.83
Single, 18-19, away from home	$314.83
Single, 18-19, at home	$268.26
Couple, no children (combined)	$587.28
Couple with children, partner on benefit (combined)	$669.40
Sole parent (on Jobseeker)	$505.64

Sole Parent Support

Situation	Weekly (after tax)
Sole parent	$521.52

Supported Living Payment

Situation	Weekly (after tax)
Single, 18 or over	$421.76
Couple without children (combined)	$703.10
Couple with children (combined)	$756.94

Winter Energy Payment

Paid automatically from 1 May to 1 October each year. Single without dependents: $20.46 per week. Couple or person with dependents: $31.82 per week. Not taxable. No application required.

Income Abatement

If you earn income while on a benefit, your benefit is reduced (abated) once your gross weekly earnings exceed $160. For Jobseeker Support, the abatement is 70 cents per dollar above $160. For Sole Parent Support, the abatement is 30 cents per dollar from $160 to $250, then 70 cents per dollar above $250.

Related Calculators

Sources: Work and Income benefit rates from 1 April 2026 (workandincome.govt.nz/products/benefit-rates/benefit-rates-april-2026.html). Beehive In-Work Tax Credit Fact Sheet March 2026. RNZ "Benefit rates rise" 20 March 2026.

This tool provides indicative estimates only. Actual benefit entitlements depend on your individual circumstances including income, assets, living situation, and other factors assessed by Work and Income. Accommodation Supplement amounts shown are maximums. Contact Work and Income on 0800 559 009 or visit workandincome.govt.nz for definitive information.