Who is eligible for Flexi-Wage?

Job seekers who have difficulty getting or keeping a job are eligible for Flexi-Wage. This includes people who need training or upskilling, those at risk of long-term unemployment, people with health conditions or disabilities, young people (16-24) at risk of becoming NEET, and people leaving corrections. The job seeker does not need to be currently receiving a benefit to be eligible. The employer must pay at least the minimum wage, the job must be genuine and ongoing, and the employer must not have dismissed someone to create the position.

What is Mana in Mahi?

Mana in Mahi (Strength in Work) is a Work and Income programme that supports people into work-based training leading to an industry-recognised qualification. It is aimed at people aged 18 to 24, those who have been on a main benefit for at least 6 months, and Maori and Pasifika who are at risk of long-term unemployment. The programme includes a wage subsidy for up to 52 weeks, pastoral care funding of up to $2,000 for the employer, and support for training costs. The role must include structured training towards a recognised qualification.

Can I get Flexi-Wage for self-employment?

Yes. Flexi-Wage for Self-Employment provides a weekly payment while you establish a new business. The subsidy covers up to 30 hours per week at up to minimum wage for up to 52 weeks. You must have a viable business plan approved by Work and Income, be disadvantaged in the job market, and be ordinarily resident in New Zealand. You cannot use it to restart a business you previously owned or to support an existing established business that is struggling. A start-up grant of up to $10,000 may also be available for essential business costs.

Does the employer or the employee apply for Flexi-Wage?

The employer must contact Work and Income before the employee starts work. If the employer has someone specific in mind, Work and Income will assess whether that person meets the eligibility criteria. If the employer does not have a specific candidate, Work and Income can help find suitable candidates. The subsidy is paid to the employer (not the employee), and the employer is responsible for claiming it every 4 weeks. The employee must be paid at least the minimum wage for all hours worked.

NZ Wage Subsidy Eligibility Checker

Wondering whether you or an employee could qualify for a Work and Income wage subsidy? This checker works through the main criteria for Flexi-Wage, Flexi-Wage for Self-Employment, Mana in Mahi, and He Poutama Rangatahi, then gives an instant read on how likely you are to qualify for each. You start by selecting your perspective - employer, job seeker, or someone considering self-employment - then answer a few questions: the age of the job seeker or employee, whether they are currently on a main benefit and for how long, any barriers to employment such as needing training, long-term unemployment, a health condition, or leaving corrections, whether the role is ongoing once the subsidy ends, ethnicity where relevant to targeted programmes, and whether the role includes structured training towards a qualification. As you answer, programme cards update to show likely eligible, possibly eligible, or unlikely for each option, along with the payment amount, duration, and who the subsidy is paid to, plus a verdict summarising your overall position. Reference tables alongside show current Flexi-Wage rates over 24 and 36 weeks, Mana in Mahi's wage subsidy and pastoral care funding, and key requirements shared across all programmes, such as minimum wage and claiming frequency. Use it to see which programme fits your situation before calling Work and Income. Results are indicative only; actual eligibility is assessed individually by Work and Income.

Updated April 2026 Work and Income (MSD) current programme rates. Minimum wage $23.95/hr from 1 April 2026.

1. Your Perspective

I am a...

Age of the job seeker/employee

Currently receiving a main benefit?

2. Circumstances

Barriers to employment (select the most relevant)

Is the role ongoing after the subsidy? (employer)

Ethnicity (some programmes target specific groups)

Does the role include structured training towards a qualification?

Programme Eligibility

Programme Rates (Current)

Flexi-Wage (24 weeks)$5,638.68 total (incl GST)

Flexi-Wage (36 weeks)$11,277.36 total (incl GST)

Flexi-Wage per 4-week claimVaries by duration tier

Mana in Mahi (up to 52 weeks)Wage subsidy + $2,000 pastoral care

Self-employment subsidyUp to 30 hrs x min wage/wk

Self-employment start-up grantUp to $10,000

Key Requirements (All Programmes)

Minimum wage$23.95/hr (from 1 Apr 2026)

Employer contact timingBefore employee starts

Paid toEmployer (not employee)

Claiming frequencyEvery 4 weeks

NZ residencyRequired (or qualifying visa)

Work and Income phone0800 559 009

Result: Answer the questions above to check eligibility.

NZ Wage Subsidy Programmes

New Zealand does not have a universal wage subsidy. Instead, Work and Income (part of the Ministry of Social Development) operates targeted programmes to help people who face barriers to employment. These programmes provide a financial contribution to the employer while the employee gets training and support.

Programme Comparison

Programme	Payment	Duration	Target Group
Flexi-Wage (employment)	$5,638.68 or $11,277.36 total (incl GST)	24 or 36 weeks	Disadvantaged job seekers needing training/support
Flexi-Wage (self-employment)	Up to 30 hrs x min wage/wk	Up to 52 weeks	Disadvantaged people starting a new business
Mana in Mahi	Wage subsidy + $2,000 pastoral care	Up to 52 weeks	18-24, 6+ months on benefit, Maori/Pasifika priority
He Poutama Rangatahi	Community-led, regionally funded	Varies	NEET youth aged 15-24

Flexi-Wage: How It Works

Flexi-Wage is the most widely available programme. The employer receives a total wage contribution of $5,638.68 (including GST) over 24 weeks, or $11,277.36 (including GST) over 36 weeks, depending on the level of support needed. The subsidy is claimed every 4 weeks. The employer must pay at least the minimum wage ($23.95/hr from 1 April 2026) and the job must continue after the subsidy ends.

Key rules: the employer must contact Work and Income before the employee starts work. If the employee has already started, this may affect eligibility. The employer cannot have dismissed someone to create the position.

Flexi-Wage for Self-Employment

This variant supports people starting their own business. The weekly payment covers up to 30 hours at the minimum wage for up to 52 weeks. Requirements include a viable business plan (assessed by Work and Income), eligibility as a disadvantaged job seeker, and NZ residency. A start-up grant of up to $10,000 is also available for essential business costs. You cannot use this to restart a previously owned business or to support an existing struggling business.

Mana in Mahi (Strength in Work)

Mana in Mahi combines a wage subsidy with structured training leading to an industry-recognised qualification. It targets people aged 18 to 24, those on a main benefit for 6+ months, and Maori and Pasifika at risk of long-term unemployment. The employer receives a wage contribution plus up to $2,000 in pastoral care funding. The role must include structured training towards a qualification (e.g. apprenticeship, industry certification).

He Poutama Rangatahi

He Poutama Rangatahi is a community-led youth employment initiative for young people aged 15 to 24 who are not in education, employment, or training (NEET). Unlike Flexi-Wage and Mana in Mahi, it is not a direct employer wage subsidy. It funds community organisations to design and deliver local programmes that connect rangatahi with employment, training, and mentoring. Funding is allocated regionally.

How to Apply

Employers: Contact Work and Income on 0800 559 009 or your local office BEFORE the employee starts work. Work and Income will assess eligibility, help set up the subsidy, and draft a contract.
Job seekers: Talk to your Work and Income case manager or call 0800 559 009 to ask about Flexi-Wage eligibility.
Self-employment: Develop a business plan and contact Work and Income to discuss the Flexi-Wage for Self-Employment option.

Related Calculators

Sources: Work and Income Flexi-Wage employer information (workandincome.govt.nz/employers/subsidies-training-and-other-help/flexi-wage.html). Work and Income Flexi-Wage job seeker information (workandincome.govt.nz/products/a-z-benefits/flexi-wage.html). Work and Income Mana in Mahi (workandincome.govt.nz). MSD He Poutama Rangatahi (msd.govt.nz).

This tool provides indicative eligibility guidance only. Actual eligibility is determined by Work and Income based on individual circumstances. Programme availability, funding, and criteria may change. Contact Work and Income on 0800 559 009 or visit workandincome.govt.nz for definitive eligibility information.