Jobseeker Support Calculator NZ 2026

Jobseeker Support is a main benefit paid weekly by Work and Income (MSD) to people who are looking for work, or who can't work full time because of a health condition, injury or disability. The amount depends on your age, your family situation and how much you earn.

From 1 April 2026 the net (after-tax) weekly rates for people aged 25 or over are $423.10 for a single person, $397.00 each for a couple, and $494.80 for a sole parent. For people aged 20–24 the single rate is $343.56 a week.

You can earn up to $160 a week (the income-free area) before your payment is affected. Above $160, your benefit reduces by 70 cents for every extra dollar you earn — or 30 cents in the dollar if you are a sole parent.

Yes. Jobseeker Support is taxable income, so the weekly figures are usually quoted as net amounts after tax has been deducted. Benefit payments are taxed at a benefit tax code, so the after-tax rate is what lands in your bank account.

The Winter Energy Payment is an extra amount added to your benefit over the colder months (around May to October). It is $20.46 a week for a single person and $31.82 a week for a couple.

Jobseeker Support has lower rates for people aged 20–24 than for those aged 25 or over. For example, a single person aged 20–24 receives $343.56 a week, compared with $423.10 for a single person aged 25 or over. The sole-parent rate of $494.80 a week is the same for both age bands.