How Much Is the Unemployment Benefit in NZ? (2026/27 Rates)

“Unemployment benefit” is a common search phrase, but the current New Zealand main benefit is Jobseeker Support. It covers eligible people looking for work and people who cannot work right now, or need to reduce their hours, because of a health condition, injury or disability.

The table shows maximum standard weekly rates, not a promise of payment. Work and Income assesses age, living arrangement, children, relationship, residence, study, work capacity and the income of both partners where relevant.

In standard single-person cases, the first $160 of gross weekly income is ignored. Above that, Jobseeker Support reduces by 70 cents for each extra dollar until the applicable income cut-out is reached. At or above the published cut-out, the standard payment is nil.

For a couple entitled in their own right, Work and Income’s table applies a 35-cent reduction to each partner’s half for every dollar of combined income above $160—70 cents across the couple. The combined income of both partners matters.

For a sole parent, the first $160 of weekly gross income does not reduce Jobseeker Support. Income from $160 to $250 reduces it by 30 cents per dollar, and income above $250 reduces it by 70 cents per dollar.

At $300.00 of weekly income, the indicative deduction is $62.00, leaving about $459.52 after tax at the M rate. This example assumes the person otherwise qualifies and excludes supplementary assistance.

A single person aged 25 or over with no other income has a maximum rate of $372.55 a week after tax at M. With $300.00 gross weekly income, $140.00 sits above the free area, producing a $98.00 deduction and an estimated payment of $274.55.

A couple without dependent children has a combined maximum of $633.94. With $220.00 combined weekly income, the estimated combined payment is $591.94, or about $295.97 each where both partners receive equal halves.

Work and Income’s rate table separates before-tax rates from after-tax figures at standard tax codes. A different tax code can change the net payment. Timing also matters: an initial stand-down of up to two weeks can apply, and a final payment date depends on the entitlement and application dates.

Accommodation Supplement, Disability Allowance, Temporary Additional Support, Winter Energy Payment and other help are separate. Some increase the total assistance deposited, while sanctions, debts or changes in income can reduce it. Compare your decision letter with the relevant rate rather than treating one bank deposit as the base benefit alone.