Jobseeker Support
Updated 2026 MSD rates. Jobseeker Support is a weekly payment from Work and Income for people who are looking for work or who cannot work temporarily because of a health condition, injury, or disability.
Who Can Get It
To qualify for Jobseeker Support, you must:
- Be aged 18 years or over (16–17 in limited circumstances).
- Be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident (usually lived in NZ for at least 2 years since becoming a resident).
- Be available for, and actively seeking, full-time work (unless exempted).
- Not be in full-time study (unless on a limited exception).
- Meet the income and cash asset thresholds.
Weekly Rates (April 2026)
| Situation | Net Weekly Rate (NZ$) |
|---|---|
| Single 25+ | $361.12 |
| Single 18–24, living at home | $250.28 |
| Single 18–24, away from home | $333.79 |
| Partnered, each person | $289.81 |
| Sole parent | $361.12 |
Rates are adjusted for inflation each year on 1 April.
Work Obligations
Most Jobseeker Support recipients must:
- Actively look for full-time work (at least 20 hours per week job search activities).
- Accept suitable job offers.
- Attend interviews and appointments with Work and Income.
- Take part in activities agreed in your Jobseeker Support plan.
If you have a health condition or disability, you may have reduced obligations or be exempted entirely (Jobseeker Support — Health Condition, Injury, or Disability).
How to Apply
- Create a MyMSD account online.
- Complete the online application form for Jobseeker Support.
- Provide identification documents (passport, birth certificate, or driver licence).
- Upload medical evidence if applying for the health condition stream.
- Attend a phone or in-person interview with a case manager.
Stand-down Period
If you left your last job voluntarily or were dismissed for misconduct, a stand-down of up to 13 weeks may apply. No stand-down for medical reasons.
Abatement (Income You Can Earn)
You can earn some income before your benefit reduces:
- Single or sole parent: up to $160 per week before abatement (before tax).
- After that, your benefit reduces by 70 cents for every $1 you earn (after tax).