How to Apply for Jobseeker Support in NZ (2026/27 Checklist)

Jobseeker Support is for people who are unemployed and looking for full-time work, are working part-time and looking for more work, or need to reduce or stop work for a while because of a health condition, injury or disability. Age, residence, study, relationship status and income also matter. A full-time student will usually need to check StudyLink support instead.

Do not wait for a calculator to confirm eligibility. Work and Income makes that decision from the complete application. Use an estimate only to understand the likely rate and how other weekly income could reduce it.

Sign in to MyMSD, choose the application for financial assistance and complete the online questions. If you do not have a Work and Income client number, the online process explains how to get one. Answers can be saved as you move through the form.

Work and Income says financial assistance may be granted from the date it is requested, and gives applicants 20 working days from first contact to complete the process. If you cannot apply online today, call 0800 559 009 rather than waiting silently. The eventual start date still depends on entitlement and stand-down rules.

Submitting the main form is not the final step. MyMSD creates a personalised list that can include verifying identity, uploading documents, reading and accepting obligations, completing a Jobseeker profile and booking an appointment. Follow the list shown in your account because the evidence depends on your answers and whether a partner is included.

Use clear, complete files when uploading evidence and keep the originals. If a document is missing or a task is unclear, contact Work and Income before the completion window expires. A screenshot or note of the submission date can also help you track the application.

If a health condition, injury or disability affects your ability to work, get a Work Capacity Medical Certificate from your health practitioner. The certificate describes the effect on work capacity; it does not automatically approve a payment. Some practitioners send certificates electronically, while others give them to you to submit.

Check that Work and Income has received the certificate and note its coverage end date. If you are approved and the medical coverage later expires, you may need a new certificate before that date or must tell Work and Income that you are ready to look for work.

Attend the phone or in-person appointment shown in MyMSD. Be ready to discuss your circumstances, work plans, income, partner and any health limits. Ask what remains outstanding and when you should expect a written decision. If approved, read the notice for the weekly amount, start date, obligations and any extra assistance assessed with the application.

For example, a single applicant aged 25 or over earning $220.00 gross a week from casual work would get an indicative $330.55 a week after tax at the M rate under the standard income formula. That estimate is not approval and does not include a stand-down, extra help or individual tax treatment.

Tell Work and Income promptly when earnings, work hours, relationship status, address, children, study or health capacity changes. Jobseeker Support carries work or work-preparation obligations based on your circumstances, and a partner can have obligations too.

Jobseeker Support normally needs a reapplication every 26 weeks if it is still required. Work and Income says MyMSD gives notice before expiry. Complete the reapplication, appointment and any updated documents before the deadline so payments are not interrupted.