Studying while on a benefit

You can choose to study at education providers all over the country, including Universities, Polytechnics and Wānanga.

You may not be able to study and get your benefit. It depends what benefit you're on.

Jobseeker Support

To get Jobseeker Support you need to continue to meet your work obligations.

If you're going to study full-time, you can't get Jobseeker Support from the date your study starts because you won't be available and looking for full-time work.

If you're going to study part-time, you may still be able to get Jobseeker Support if you're available and looking for full-time work.

If you're not sure if your study will be part-time or full-time, check with your education provider.

If you can't get Jobseeker Support, you may be able to get help from StudyLink instead.

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Sole Parent Support

Have dependent children aged under 3

You can study and get Sole Parent Support as long as:

• you can still meet your work obligations by preparing for work
• your study can help you to find work in the future.

Youngest child is aged between 3 and 13

If you're going to study, you can get Sole Parent Support if you're available, and looking, for part-time work (at least 20 hours a week).

You may not have to meet your work obligations while you study if you're either:

• part-way through a course of study when you're required to look for part-time work
• studying at Level 4 or above.

You’ll need to show that you’re passing at least half of your study.

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Supported Living Payment

If you're going to study you can still get Supported Living Payment.

You may also be able to get a Student Loan from StudyLink to help pay for your course fees and any course-related costs.

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Young Parent and Youth Parent Payments

You can study full-time while getting these payments.

You may be able to get help from StudyLink as well. Contact your Youth Service provider so they can help you to work out which type of support is best for you.

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Other payments

Talk to us to find out if any other support you get (eg. childcare, Accommodation Supplement, Disability Allowance, Temporary Additional Support) will change.

Accommodation Supplement

If you qualify for a Student Allowance and an Accommodation Benefit from StudyLink, you won't be able to get an Accommodation Supplement. You'll need to work out which type of support is best for you.

Temporary Additional Support

Generally, if you're single and studying full-time, you won't be able to get Temporary Additional Support.

If you have any redirections or deductions (eg, rent or court fines) and you get a Student Allowance or Student Loan from StudyLink, you'll have to arrange for these to be paid through your bank.