Changes to benefit rates from 1 April

Check out the new rates here:

Jobseeker Support, Supported Living Payment, Sole Parent Support, NZ Super, Veteran’s Pension and other main benefits will rise 3.1% in line with increases in the average wage.

Supplementary assistance and Student Allowance will increase 1.15% in line with the Consumers Price Index.

Your first April payment

If you’re paid weekly, you’ll get a part payment at the new rate for the week starting 5 April, and a full payment at the new rate in the week starting on 12 April.

Due to Easter, weekly payments due on Tuesday 6 April will be paid early on Friday 2 April.

If you get paid fortnightly, you’ll get a full payment at the new rate in the week starting on 12 April. Fortnightly payments are not affected by Easter.

How much you can earn from 1 April

From 1 April 2021 you’ll be able to earn more each week before your benefit is affected. You’ll be able to earn up to $160 before tax each week before your benefit reduces.

Getting Temporary Additional Support

If you get Temporary Additional Support and your benefit or pension payment goes up, in most cases your Temporary Additional Support will go down.

How to check your payments

To check your payments, you can either:

• log into MyMSD
• call our Service Express self-service line on 0800 33 30 30