Jobseeker Support 2027 Calculator (NZ)
Find your Jobseeker Support weekly rate for 2027 by family status, partner status, and number of children. Includes income abatement (NZ$160 free, then 30c/70c per dollar). Free, private, no sign-up.
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What is Jobseeker Support?
Jobseeker Support is New Zealand's main unemployment benefit, administered by the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) through Work and Income. It supports people aged 18+ (or 16-17 with dependent children) who are looking for work or temporarily unable to work due to a health condition. Rates are reviewed annually on 1 April and vary by family status. For 2027, the single-no-children rate is approximately NZ$362 per week after tax; single parent NZ$461/week; couple with children NZ$617/week combined.
How income abatement works in 2027
You can earn NZ$160 gross per week before your Jobseeker Support is reduced. Income between NZ$160 and NZ$250 reduces your benefit by 30 cents per dollar. Income above NZ$250 reduces by 70 cents per dollar. Partner income is treated the same way for couple rates. The cut-out point (where benefit reaches zero) is around NZ$650/week gross for singles.
If you receive Jobseeker for health reasons (Jobseeker Support – Health Condition or Disability), the abatement rules are slightly more generous and work-test obligations are lighter (job-search not required during medical periods).
Example: single parent with NZ$200/week part-time
A single parent earning NZ$200/week gross part-time receives Jobseeker Support — single-parent rate is NZ$461/week net. Income abatement: NZ$200 − NZ$160 = NZ$40 above threshold × 30 cents = NZ$12 reduction. Net Jobseeker = NZ$449/week + NZ$200 wages = NZ$649/week total income. Plus Accommodation Supplement if renting (up to NZ$305/week in Auckland), Working for Families if dependent children, and possibly Disability Allowance for medical costs.
How to use this Jobseeker calculator
Choose your family status (single, couple, with/without children, age 18-19 / 20-24 at home). Enter any gross weekly income for you and partner. Select your accommodation area (Auckland is Area 1, smaller towns are Area 4). The calculator shows base benefit, income abatement, total weekly payment, and an estimate of Accommodation Supplement maximum for your area.
Source: workandincome.govt.nz and msd.govt.nz — Benefit rates 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027. Updated May 2026.