Seasonal worker

If you're a seasonal worker (e.g. fruit and vegetable production) and have lost wages because of bad weather, or your contract has finished, we may be able to help.

What is seasonal work

Seasonal work could be:

  • fruit and vegetable picking, packing, processing and pruning
  • vineyards
  • forestry
  • dairy industry
  • freezing works, meat processing
  • lambing and shearing gang work
  • fisheries/seafood
  • ski-related work on ski fields and in local towns
  • tourism work - everything from waiting tables to being a tour guide.

Lost wages because of bad weather

If you work in the horticulture industry and you've lost wages because of bad weather, you may be able to get help from us, depending on your circumstances.

You need to be working in one of these industries:

  • berry fruit growing
  • citrus fruit growing
  • grape and olive
  • growing cut flower and flower seed
  • hop, tobacco and hemp growing
  • kiwifruit growing
  • pip fruit growing
  • plant nurseries
  • stone fruit growing
  • vegetable growing.

Seasonal Work Assistance

Your contract has ended

If you're working in any seasonal industry and your contract has finished, we may be able to help depending on your circumstances.


Need money while you look for work

You're looking for full-time work and need help with day-to-day expenses.

Jobseeker Support

When you apply for Jobseeker Support, there may be some things you need to do before you can get it.

The online application process


Sole parent with children under 14 to support

Sole Parent Support


Sole parent with children over 14 to support

You're looking for full-time work and caring for children over 14.

Jobseeker Support

When you apply for Jobseeker Support, there may be some things you need to do before you can get it.

The online application process


Need money but your partner works

You're down to one wage and you need help to pay day-to-day expenses while you look for work.

Unsure of what you'll be able to get

Use "Check what you might get" to find out what help you could qualify for.