Jobseeker Support

Who can get it

To get Jobseeker Support, you generally need to be in one of the following situations:

• not be in employment and are looking for a job
• be in part-time employment and looking for more work, or
• have a health condition or disability which affects your ability to work. This means you have to reduce your hours or stop work for a while. We may still be able to help if you have a job to go back to.

You also need to:

• be aged 18 or older, or 20 and older if you have dependent children
• either:
  • be a New Zealand citizen
  • be a permanent resident, or
  • have a residence class visa under the Immigration Act 2009
• have lived continuously in NZ for at least 2 years since either:
  • becoming a NZ citizen
  • becoming a permanent resident, or
  • getting a residence class visa
• be ordinarily resident in NZ, and
• be ordinarily resident in New Zealand when you apply.

If this isn't you, find out how we can help. Talk to us.

You also need to agree to some obligations such as:

• be willing to accept suitable employment
• be taking reasonable steps to find work.

This is a guide only. For more detail about who can get it read:

Check if you can get Jobseeker Support

To find out if you could get Jobseeker Support and what else you might qualify for, use our 'Check what you might get' tool.

How much you can get

Jobseeker Support is paid weekly. How much you get depends on your situation and how much you and your partner (if you have one) earn.

If you get Jobseeker Support, you'll also automatically get a Winter Energy Payment. This is paid during the Winter months.

How to apply

You can apply online through MyMSD. We'll also check to see if you can get any other help from us based on the answers you give in your application.

What happens next

Once you've submitted your online form, we’ll call you if there's anything else you need to do.

Apply for child support if you're a sole parent

If you get Jobseeker Support, you need to fill in a Child Support application form.

This helps Inland Revenue collect child support payments from the other parent of your child.

There are some situations when you don't need to apply. Everyone's situation is different.

We'll contact you when we process your application and let you know what you need to do.

While you're getting Jobseeker Support

Meet your obligations

There are things you need to do when you're getting a Jobseeker Support benefit. If you don't do them, your benefit could reduce or stop. This includes things like:

• telling us if something changes
• finding or preparing for work
• taking part in work ability assessments.

If you have a partner, there are things they'll need to do as well.

Medical certificates

If you have a health condition, injury or disability that impacts your ability to work, you must provide a medical certificate. To get a medical certificate, book an appointment with your health practitioner.

Getting Jobseeker Support for more than 12 months

If you're getting Jobseeker Support and you still need it after a year, you have to reapply.