Benefit rates at 1 April 2024
Benefit and payment rates at 1 April 2024.
On 1 April 2024, benefits and some payments will be increasing due to the Annual General Adjustment.
Accommodation Supplement entry thresholds
Entry thresholds are the minimum amount you have to pay each week for accommodation costs. This is one of the criteria you have to meet to get Accommodation Supplement.
What your entry thresholds are depends on what main benefit or pension you're getting.
- If you're not getting a main benefit or pension, your entry thresholds will be the same as Jobseeker Support.
- There are different entry thresholds for couples receiving half-married rates of different benefits.
Jobseeker Support
Your situation |
Rent or board |
Mortgage |
|
Single, no children |
$88 | $106 |
|
Couple, no children |
$150 | $180 |
|
Sole parent |
$160 | $192 |
|
Couple with children |
$195 | $234 |
Note that single clients aged 18-19 living at home won't have a mortgage rate as it is not relevant to them.
Sole Parent Support
Rent or board |
Mortgage |
| $160 | $192 |
Supported Living Payment
Your situation |
Rent or board |
Mortgage |
|
Single, no children |
$101 | $121 |
|
Couple, no children |
$171 | $205 |
|
Sole parent |
$174 | $209 |
|
Couple, with children |
$216 | $259 |
Young Parent Payment
Your situation |
Rent or board |
Mortgage |
|
Sole parent, 16-17, living with or supported by parents who earn less than the Family Tax Credit threshold |
$108 | N/A |
|
Sole parent, 16-19 |
$160 | $192 |
|
Couple |
$195 | $234 |
Youth Payment
Your situation |
Rent or board |
Mortgage |
|
Single |
$88 | $106 |
|
Couple |
$150 | $180 |
NZ Super or Veteran's Pension - without dependent children
Your situation |
Rent or board |
Mortgage |
|
Single, living alone |
$130 | $156 |
|
Single, sharing accommodation |
$120 | $144 |
|
Couple, both getting pension |
$201 | $241 |
|
Couple, 1 qualifies for pension, 1 is included as a non-qualified partner before 9 November 2020 |
$191 | $229 |
|
Couple, 1 qualifies for pension, 1 is included as a non-qualified partner before 1 October 1991 |
$201 | $241 |
NZ Super or Veteran's Pension - with dependent children
Your situation |
Rent or board |
Mortgage |
|
Single, living alone |
$167 | $200 |
|
Single, sharing accommodation |
$157 | $188 |
|
Couple, both getting pension |
$237 | $284 |
|
Couple, 1 qualifies for pension, 1 is included as a non-qualified partner before 9 November 2020 |
$227 | $273 |
|
Couple, 1 qualifies for pension, 1 is included as a non-qualified partner before 1 October 1991 |
$237 | $284 |
Couples receiving half-married rates of different benefits - without dependent children
Type of benefit combination |
Rent or board |
Mortgage |
|
NZ Super or Veteran's Pension and Supported Living Payment |
$185 | $223 |
|
NZ Super or Veteran's Pension and Jobseeker Support or non-beneficiary |
$175 | $210 |
|
Supported Living payment and Jobseeker Support or non-beneficiary |
$161 | $193 |
Couples receiving half-married rates of different benefits - with dependent children
Type of benefit combination |
Rent or board |
Mortgage |
|
NZ Super or Veteran's Pension and Supported Living Payment |
$229 | $275 |
|
NZ Super or Veteran's Pension and Jobseeker Support or non-beneficiary |
$215 | $259 |
|
Supported Living payment and Jobseeker Support or non-beneficiary |
$205 | $246 |
Grandparented Widows Benefit woman alone or DPB woman alone
This benefit was granted before 15 July 2013.
Rent or board |
Mortgage |
| $91 | $109 |
Accommodation Supplement maximum rates
These rates are the maximum amount of Accommodation Supplement you can get, depending on your situation. It also depends on what area of the country you live in.
Category |
Area 1 |
Area 2 |
Area 3 |
Area 4 |
|
Single, no children |
$165 | $105 | $80 | $70 |
|
Sole parent, 1 child |
$235 | $155 | $105 | $80 |
|
Sole parent, 2+ children |
$305 | $220 | $160 | $120 |
|
Couple without children |
$235 | $155 | $105 | $80 |
|
Couple with children |
$305 | $220 | $160 | $120 |
Childcare assistance
Childcare assistance includes Childcare Subsidy and OSCAR Subsidy.
The rate depends on how many children you have and how much your income is.
Childcare Subsidy
You have 1 child
Gross weekly income |
Hourly rate per child |
Weekly rate per child (50 hours) |
| Less than $1,062 | $6.38 | $319 |
| $1,062 to $1,933.99 | $5.09 | $254.50 |
| $1,934 to $2,094.99 | $3.56 | $178 |
| $2,095 to $2,256.99 | $1.99 | $99.50 |
| $2,257 or more | nil | nil |
You have 2 children
Gross weekly income |
Hourly rate per child |
Weekly rate per child (50 hours) |
| Less than $1,221 | $6.38 | $319 |
| $1,221 to $2,224.99 | $5.09 | $254.50 |
| $2,225 to $2,400.99 | $3.56 | $178 |
| $2,401 to $2,578.99 | $1.99 | $99.50 |
| $2,579 or more | nil | nil |
You have 3 children
Gross weekly income |
Hourly rate per child |
Weekly rate per child (50 hours) |
| Less than $1,368 | $6.38 | $319 |
| $1,368 to $2,481.99 | $5.09 | $254.50 |
| $2,482 to $2,691.99 | $3.56 | $178 |
| $2,692 to $2,901.99 | $1.99 | $99.50 |
| $2,902 or more | nil | nil |
OSCAR Subsidy
The rate depends on how many children you have and how much your income is.
You have 1 child
Gross weekly income |
Hourly rate per child |
Term weekly rate per child (20 hours) |
Holidays weekly rate per child (50 hours) |
| Less than $1,062 | $6.38 | $127.60 | $319 |
| $1,062 to $1,933.99 | $5.09 | $101.80 | $254.50 |
| $1,934 to $2,094.99 | $3.56 | $71.20 | $178 |
| $2,095 to $2,256.99 | $1.99 | $39.80 | $99.50 |
| $2,257 or more | nil | nil | nil |
You have 2 children
Gross weekly income |
Hourly rate per child |
Term weekly rate per child (20 hours) |
Holidays weekly rate per child (50 hours) |
| Less than $1,221 | $6.38 | $127.60 | $319 |
| $1,221 to $2,224.99 | $5.09 | $101.80 | $254.50 |
| $2,225 to $2,400.99 | $3.56 | $71.20 | $178 |
| $2,401 to $2,578.99 | $1.99 | $39.80 | $99.50 |
| $2,579 or more | nil | nil | nil |
You have 3 children
Gross weekly income |
Hourly rate per child |
Term weekly rate per child (20 hours) |
Holidays weekly rate per child (50 hours) |
| Less than $1,368 | $6.38 | $127.60 | $319 |
| $1,368 to $2,481.99 | $5.09 | $101.80 | $254.50 |
| $2,482 to $2,691.99 | $3.56 | $71.20 | $178 |
| $2,692 to $2,901.99 | $1.99 | $39.80 | $99.50 |
| $2,902 or more | nil | nil | nil |
Community Services Card income cut-out points
| Family size | Gross annual cut-out point for NZ Super clients | Gross annual cut-out point for other clients |
|---|---|---|
| Single, sharing accommodation | $35,283 | $33,181 |
| Single, living alone | $37,531 | $35,213 |
| Couple | $56,327 | $52,656 |
| 2-person family - 1 adult, 1 child | $64,316 | $64,316 |
| 3-person family | $79,167 | $79,167 |
| 4-person family | $91,332 | $91,332 |
| 5-person family | $103,281 | $103,281 |
| 6-person family | $116,434 | $116,434 |
| For each additional family member add $11,802 |
Disability Allowance
| Benefit type | Weekly rate, non-taxable |
|---|---|
| Standard Disability Allowance - maximum | $78.60 |
| Special Disability Allowance | $49.02 |
| Child Disability Allowance | $59.23 |
Disability Allowance income limits
| Category | Weekly income limits before tax |
|---|---|
| Single 16 to 17 years | $660.90 |
| Single 18+ years | $823.31 |
| Couple with or without children | $1,225.95 |
| Sole parent 1 child | $921.73 |
| Sole parent 2+ children | $971.14 |
Family Tax Credits
| Category | Rate per child |
|---|---|
| First or only child | $144.30 |
| Second or subsequent child | $117.56 |
Foster Care Allowance
| Category | Weekly rate, non-taxable |
|---|---|
| Aged 0-4 years | $286.08 |
| Aged 5-9 years | $288.06 |
| Aged 10-13 years | $310.40 |
| Aged 14 years and over | $332.61 |
| Family home | $315.01 |
Funeral Grant
This is income and asset tested. The maximum amount you can get is $2,559.20.
Home Help
This is the maximum rate before tax.
| Rate per hour (before tax) | |
| Excluding holiday pay | $24.37 |
| Including holiday pay (8%) | $26.32 |
Hospital rate
The weekly hospital rates listed here are for payments other than NZ Super, Veteran's pension, Orphan's Benefit or Unsupported Child Benefit. To see the hospital rate for these payments, select the relevant payment headings on this page.
Net weekly rate (after tax at "M") |
Gross weekly rate |
| $55.35 | $61.84 |
Jobseeker Support
If you don't have children
| Category | Net weekly rate (after tax at "M") | Gross weekly rate | Special Benefit standard costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single, 18 to 19 years, at home | $262.30 | $295.10 | N/A |
| Single, 18 to 19 years, away from home | $307.87 | $350.33 | N/A |
| Single, 20 to 24 years | $307.87 | $350.33 | N/A |
| Single, 25 years or over | $353.46 | $405.59 | $159.43 |
| Couple (total) | $601.46 | $683.36 | $299.15 |
| Couple (each) | $300.73 | $341.68 |
Note that single clients aged 18-24 don't have Special Benefit standards costs available to them.
If you have children
| Category | Net weekly rate (after tax at "M") | Gross weekly rate |
|---|---|---|
| Sole parent | $494.80 | $576.91 |
| Couple (total) | $635.10 | $724.14 |
| Couple (each) | $317.55 | $362.07 |
| Couple with 1 partner not on benefit (total) | $317.55 | $362.07 |
| Couple with 1 partner on NZ Super or Veteran's Pension (total) | $317.55 | $362.07 |
Note that Special Benefit standard costs for people with children are equal to 70% of the unabated main benefit and unabated family tax credit combined.
NZ Super and Veteran's Pension
There are standard rates, non-standard rates and non-taxable lump sum payments.
Our website has more information about the NZ Super rates and Veteran's Pension rates.
How much you can get for NZ Super
How much you can get for Veteran's Pension
For more information about war pensions and allowances, please phone Veterans' Affairs New Zealand on 0800 483 8372 (0800 4 VETERAN)
Standard rates
| Pension type | Net weekly rate (after tax at 'M') |
Net weekly rate (after tax at 'S') |
Gross weekly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single | |||
| Single, living alone | $519.47 | $500.62 | $606.67 |
| Single, sharing | $479.51 | $460.66 | $558.31 |
| Couples | |||
| Only one of you qualifies | $399.59 | $380.74 | $461.41 |
| Both you and your partner qualify (combined) | $799.18 | $761.48 | $922.82 |
| Both you and your partner qualify (each) | $399.59 | $380.74 | $461.41 |
| Only one of you qualifies and you include your partner in your payments (combined) – grandparented since November 2020 | $759.64 | $721.94 | $874.88 |
| Only one of you qualifies and you include your partner in your payments (each) – grandparented since November 2020 | $379.82 | $360.97 | $437.44 |
Non-standard rates
| Pension type | Net weekly rate (after tax at 'M') |
Net weekly rate (after tax at 'S') |
Gross weekly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Couple, with non-qualified spouse included before 1 October 1991 (total) | $799.18 | $761.48 | $922.82 |
| Couple, with non-qualified spouse included before 1 October 1991 (each) | $399.59 | $380.74 | $461.41 |
| Hospital rate (always taxed at 'M') | $55.35 | N/A | $61.75 |
Non-taxable lump sum payments
| Pension type | Rate |
|---|---|
| Veteran's lump sum payment on death | $7,415.97 |
| Veteran's spouse's lump sum payment on death | $5,654.89 |
Orphan's Benefit or Unsupported Child's Benefit
| Child or young person's age | Weekly rate, non-taxable |
|---|---|
| Aged under 5 years | $286.08 |
| Aged 5 to 9 years | $288.06 |
| Aged 10 to 13 years | $310.40 |
| Aged 14 years or over | $332.61 |
Personal Allowances
| Category | Net weekly rate (after tax at 'M') | Gross weekly rate for NZ Super or Veteran's Pension | Gross weekly rate for other benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| People receiving Residential Care Subsidy | $55.35 | $61.75 | $61.84 |
| People with Psychiatric or Intellectual Disabilities | $80.67 | $90.12 | $90.13 |
| People with Physical or Sensory Disabilities | $131.07 | $146.40 | $146.45 |
Sole Parent Support
| Net weekly rate (after tax at "M") | Gross weekly rate |
|---|---|
| $494.80 | $576.91 |
Note that Special Benefit standard costs for people are equal to 70% of the unabated main benefit and unabated family tax credit combined.
Supported Living Payment
If you don't have children
Category |
Net weekly rate (after tax at 'M') |
Gross weekly rate |
Special Benefit standard costs |
| Single, 16-17 | $337.63 | $386.40 | N/A |
| Single, 18+ | $402.84 | $465.45 | $216.30 |
| Couple (total) | $684.48 | $783.98 | $394.60 |
| Couple (each) | $342.24 | $391.99 |
Note that single clients aged 16-17 don't have Special Benefit standards costs available to them.
If you have children
Category |
Net weekly rate (after tax at 'M') |
Gross weekly rate |
| Sole parent | $552.14 | $646.42 |
| Couple (total) | $718.14 | $824.78 |
| Couple (each) | $359.07 | $412.39 |
| Couple with 1 partner not on benefit (total) | $372.81 | $429.05 |
| Couple with 1 partner on NZ Super or Veteran's Pension (total) | $372.81 | $429.05 |
Special Benefit standard costs are equal to 70% of the unabated main benefit and unabated family tax credit combined.
Training Incentive Allowance
| Duration | Rate, non-taxable |
|---|---|
| Weekly - maximum | $135.75 |
| Yearly - maximum | $5,430 |
Young Parent Payment
| Category | Net weekly rate (after tax at "M") | Gross weekly rate |
|---|---|---|
| Sole parent, 16 to 17 years, living with or supported by parents who earn less than the Family Tax Credit threshold | $285.44 | $323.14 |
| Sole parent, 16 to 19 years | $494.80 | $576.91 |
| Couple with 1 or more children (total) | $635.10 | $724.14 |
| Couple with 1 or more children (each) | $317.55 | $362.07 |
| Couple with 1 partner not on benefit and 1 or more children (total) | $317.55 | $362.07 |
Note that Special Benefit standards costs are not available to people on Young Parent Payment.
Youth Payment
| Category | Net weekly rate (after tax at "M") | Gross weekly rate |
|---|---|---|
| Single, 16 to 17 years | $307.87 | $350.33 |
| Couple (total) | $601.46 | $683.36 |
| Couple (each) | $300.73 | $341.68 |
Note that Special Benefit standards costs are not available to people on Youth Payment.
Grandparented Widows Benefit woman alone or DPB woman alone
These benefits were granted before 15 July 2013.
| Net weekly rate (after tax at "M") | Gross weekly rate | Special Benefit standard costs |
|---|---|---|
| $364.82 | $419.36 | $168.53 |
Student Allowance
| Category | Net weekly allowance (after tax at "M") |
Gross weekly allowance |
|---|---|---|
Single student without dependent children |
||
| Under 24 years, at home - up to | $269.52 | $303.85 |
| Under 24 years, away from home - up to | $314.15 | $357.94 |
| Independent circumstances | $314.15 | $357.94 |
| 24 years or over, at home | $305.22 | $347.12 |
| 24 years or over, away from home | $358.78 | $412.04 |
Student with earning partner |
||
| Student with earning partner, at home, without children | $187.77 | $209.80 |
| Student with earning partner, away from home, without children | $235.12 | $262.70 |
| Student with earning partner, partner not receiving, at home, with children | $219.63 | $245.40 |
| Student with earning partner, partner not receiving, away from home, with children | $266.99 | $300.78 |
| Student with earning partner, partner receiving, at home, with children (each) | $203.72 | $227.62 |
| Student with earning partner, partner receiving, away from home, with children (each) | $251.05 | $281.46 |
Couple without dependent children |
||
| One student, one dependent partner | $628.28 | $738.71 |
| Both eligible students (each) | $314.15 | $357.94 |
| Both students, one eligible | $358.78 | $412.04 |
Single student with dependent children |
||
| Single student with 1 or more children | $506.35 | $590.91 |
Couple with dependent children |
||
| Both students, one eligible, with 1 or more children | $506.35 | $590.91 |
| Both students, both eligible, partner receiving, with 1 or more children (each) | $330.08 | $377.25 |
| Both students, both eligible, partner not receiving, with 1 or more children | $345.99 | $396.54 |
| One student, one dependent partner, with 1 or more children | $660.14 | $777.33 |
Student Loan
| Weekly rate | |
| Student Loan living cost component - maximum | $316.39 |