Benefit rates at 31 July 2024

Benefit and payment rates from 31 July 2024

Information

On 31 July 2024, the Personal Income Tax thresholds will be adjusted. This will change some payment rates, income limits and income thresholds. Find out more about this.

Category Net weekly rate (after tax at "M") Gross weekly rate Special Benefit standard costs Accommodation Supplement*
Entry threshold Maximum rate
Rent or board Mortgage Area 1 Area 2 Area 3 Area 4

Jobseeker Support: without children
Single, 18 to 19 years, at home $262.30 $293.07 Note 1 $88 Note 2 $165 $105 $80 $70
Single, 18 to 19 years, away from home $307.87 $347.72 Note 1 $88 $106 $165 $105 $80 $70
Single, 20 to 24 years $307.87 $347.72 Note 1 $88 $106 $165 $105 $80 $70
Single, 25 years or over $353.46 $402.98 $159.43 $88 $106 $165 $105 $80 $70
Couple (total) $601.46 $678.14 $299.15 $150 $180 $235 $155 $105 $80
Couple (each) $300.73 $339.07              

Jobseeker Support: with children
Sole parent $494.80 $574.30 Note 3 $160 $192 Note 4 Note 4 Note 4 Note 4
Couple with 1 or more children (total) $635.10 $718.90 Note 3 $195 $234 $305 $220 $160 $120
Couple with 1 or more children (each) $317.55 $359.45              
Couple with 1 partner not on benefit and 1 or more children (total) $317.55 $359.45 Note 3 $195 $234 $305 $220 $160 $120
Couple with 1 partner on NZ Super or Veteran's Pension and 1 or more children (total) $317.55 $359.45 Note 3 $216 $259 $305 $220 $160 $120

* Accommodation Supplement entry thresholds and maximum rates for non‑beneficiaries are the same as those for Jobseeker Support. Those for 16 to 17 year old non‑beneficiaries are the same as those for 18 to 19 year old non-beneficiaries.

Note 1: Special Benefit isn't available for these clients.

Note 2: The mortgage rate isn't relevant as these clients are living at home or away from home, and supported by their parents.

Note 3: Special Benefit standard costs for these clients are equal to 70% of the unabated main benefit and unabated family tax credit combined.

Note 4: Accommodation Supplement maximum rates for these clients are:

Area 1 Area 2 Area 3 Area 4  
$235 $155 $105 $80 1 child
$305 $220 $160 $120 2 or more children

Category Net weekly rate (after tax at "M") Gross weekly rate Special Benefit standard costs Accommodation Supplement*
Entry threshold Maximum rate
Rent or board Mortgage Area 1 Area 2 Area 3 Area 4
Solo parent, 16 to 17 years, living with or supported by parents who earn less than the Family Tax Credit threshold $285.44 $320.53 Note 1 $108 Note 2 Note 4 Note 4 Note 4 Note 4
Solo parent, 16 to 19 years $494.80 $574.30 Note 1 $160 $192 Note 4 Note 4 Note 4 Note 4
Couple with 1 or more children (total) $635.10 $718.90 Note 1 $195 $234 $305 $220 $160 $120
Couple with 1 or more children (each) $317.55 $359.45              
Couple with 1 partner not on benefit and 1 or more children (total) $317.55 $359.45 Note 1 $195 $234 $305 $220 $160 $120

* Accommodation Supplement entry thresholds and maximum rates for non‑beneficiaries are the same as those for Jobseeker Support. Those for 16 to 17 year old non‑beneficiaries are the same as those for 18 to 19 year old non-beneficiaries.

Note 1: Special Benefit isn't available for these clients.

Note 2: The mortgage rate isn't relevant as these clients are living at home or away from home, and supported by their parents.

Note 4: Accommodation Supplement maximum rates for these clients are:

Area 1 Area 2 Area 3 Area 4  
$235 $155 $105 $80 1 child
$305 $220 $160 $120 2 or more children

Category Net weekly rate (after tax at "M") Gross weekly rate Special Benefit standard costs Accommodation Supplement*
Entry threshold Maximum rate
Rent or board Mortgage Area 1 Area 2 Area 3 Area 4
Single, 16 to 17 years $307.87 $347.72 Note 1 $88 $106 $165 $105 $80 $70
Couple (total) $601.46 $678.14 Note 1 $150 $180 $235 $155 $105 $80
Couple (each) $300.73 $339.07              

* Accommodation Supplement entry thresholds and maximum rates for non‑beneficiaries are the same as those for Jobseeker Support. Those for 16 to 17 year old non‑beneficiaries are the same as those for 18 to 19 year old non-beneficiaries.

Note 1: Special Benefit isn't available for these clients.

Granted before 15/7/2013

Net weekly rate (after tax at "M") Gross weekly rate Special Benefit standard costs Accommodation Supplement*
Entry threshold Maximum rate
Rent or board Mortgage Area 1 Area 2 Area 3 Area 4
$364.82 $416.75 $168.53 $91 $109 $165 $105 $80 $70

* Accommodation Supplement entry thresholds and maximum rates for non‑beneficiaries are the same as those for Jobseeker Support. Those for 16 to 17 year old non‑beneficiaries are the same as those for 18 to 19 year old non-beneficiaries.

Net weekly rate (after tax at "M") Gross weekly rate Special Benefit standard costs Accommodation Supplement*
Entry threshold Maximum rate
Rent or board Mortgage Area 1 Area 2 Area 3 Area 4
$494.80 $574.30 Note 3 $160 $192 Note 4 Note 4 Note 4 Note 4

* Accommodation Supplement entry thresholds and maximum rates for non‑beneficiaries are the same as those for Jobseeker Support. Those for 16 to 17 year old non‑beneficiaries are the same as those for 18 to 19 year old non-beneficiaries.

Note 3: Special Benefit standard costs for these clients are equal to 70% of the unabated main benefit and unabated family tax credit combined.

Note 4: Accommodation Supplement maximum rates for these clients are:

Area 1 Area 2 Area 3 Area 4  
$235 $155 $105 $80 1 child
$305 $220 $160 $120 2 or more children

Category Net weekly rate (after tax at "M") Gross weekly rate Special Benefit standard costs Accommodation Supplement*
Entry threshold Maximum rate
Rent or board Mortgage Area 1 Area 2 Area 3 Area 4

Supported Living Payment: without children
Single, 16 to 17 years $337.63 $383.79 Note 1 $101 $121 $165 $105 $80 $70
Single, 18 years or over $402.84 $462.84

$216.30

 $101 $121 $165 $105 $80 $70
Couple (total) $684.48 $778.76 $394.60 $171 $205 $235 $155 $105 $80
Couple (each) $342.24 $389.38              

Supported Living Payment: with children
Sole parent $552.14 $643.81 Note 3 $174 $209 Note 4 Note 4 Note 4 Note 4
Couple with 1 or more children (total) $718.14 $819.56 Note 3 $216 $259 $305 $220 $160 $120
Couple with 1 or more children (each) $359.07 $409.78              
Couple with 1 partner not on benefit and 1 or more children (total) $372.81 $426.44 Note 3 $216 $259 $305 $220 $160 $120
Couple with 1 partner on NZ Super or Veteran's Pension and 1 or more children (total) $372.81 $426.44 Note 3 $230 $276 $305 $220 $160 $120

* Accommodation Supplement entry thresholds and maximum rates for non‑beneficiaries are the same as those for Jobseeker Support. Those for 16 to 17 year old non-beneficiaries are the same as those for 18 to 19 year old non-beneficiaries.

Note 1: Special Benefit isn't available for these clients.

Note 3: Special Benefit standard costs for these clients are equal to 70% of the unabated main benefit and unabated family tax credit combined.

Note 4: Accommodation Supplement maximum rates for these clients are:

Area 1 Area 2 Area 3 Area 4  
$235 $155 $105 $80 1 child
$305 $220 $160 $120 2 or more children

Benefit type Weekly rate, non-taxable
Standard Disability Allowance - maximum $78.60
Special Disability Allowance $49.02
Child Disability Allowance $59.23

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

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

Category Rate per child
First or only child $144.30
Second or subsequent child $117.56

Pension type Net fortnightly rate
(after tax at 'M')		 Net fortnightly rate
(after tax at 'S')		 Gross fortnightly rate
NZ Super or Veteran's Pension – standard rates
Single      
Single, living alone $1,043.24 $1,001.24 $1,213.34
Single, sharing $963.32 $921.32 $1,116.62
Couples      
Only one of you qualifies $803.48 $761.48 $922.82
Both you and your partner qualify (combined) $1,606.96 $1,522.96 $1,845.64
Both you and your partner qualify (each)  $803.48 $761.48 $922.82
Only one of you qualifies and you include your partner in your payments (combined) – grandparented since November 2020 $1,527.88 $1,443.88 $1,749.76
Only one of you qualifies and you include your partner in your payments (each) – grandparented since November 2020 $763.94 $721.94 $874.88
NZ Super or Veteran's Pension – non-standard rates
Couple, with non-qualified spouse included before 1 October 1991 (total) $1,606.96 $1,522.96 $1,845.64
Couple, with non-qualified spouse included before 1 October 1991 (each) $803.48 $761.48 $922.82
Hospital rate $55.35 Note 1 $61.75
Non-taxable amounts
Veteran's lump sum payment on death $7,415.97
Veteran's spouse's lump sum payment on death $5,654.89

Note 1: The hospital rate is always taxed at the 'M' rate.

You can find more information about the NZ Super and Veteran's Pension rates here.

For more information about war pensions and allowances, please phone Veterans' Affairs New Zealand on 0800 483 8372 (0800 4 VETERAN)

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

Assistance Rate per hour
Maximum gross rate - excluding holiday pay $24.37
Maximum gross rate - including holiday pay (8%) $26.32

These entry thresholds are for:

  • if you're not getting a main benefit or pension
  • if you're getting NZ Super or Veteran's Pension, and
  • couples receiving half-married rates of different benefits.

For entry thresholds if you're getting a main benefit, go to the relevant main benefit heading on this page.

If you're not getting a main benefit or pension

Your situation

Rent or board

Mortgage

Single, 16+ years

$88

$106

Partner, no children

$150

$180

Partner, with children

$195

$234

Sole parent

$160

$192

If you're getting NZ Super or Veteran's Pension

Your living situation

Without children

 With children

Rent or board

Mortgage

Rent or board

 Mortgage

Single and living alone

$130

$156

$167

$200

Single and sharing accommodation

$120

$144

$157

$188

Couple, both getting NZ Super or Veteran's Pension

$201

$241

$237

$284

Couple, but only one of you qualifies for NZ Super or Veteran's Pension, and the other is included in the pension as a non-qualified partner before 9 November 2020

$191

$229

$227

$273

Couple, but only one of you qualifies for NZ Super or Veteran's Pension, and the other was included in the pension as a non-qualified partner before 1 October 1991

$201

$241

$237

$284

Couples receiving half-married rates of different benefits

Type of benefit combination Without children With children
Rent or board Mortgage Rent or board Mortgage
NZ Super or Veteran's Pension
and Supported Living Payment		 $186 $223 $230 $276
NZ Super or Veteran's Pension
and Jobseeker Support or non-beneficiary		 $176 $211 $216 $259
Supported Living Payment and Jobseeker Support or non-beneficiary $161 $193 $205 $246

Use this table to work out which rate applies to you based on your income:
 
Number of dependent children in your care Childcare Subsidy and OSCAR subsidy rates
Gross income per week
1 child Less than $1,062 $1,062 to $1,933.99 $1,934 to $2,094.99 $2,095 to $2,256.99 $2,257 or more
2 children Less than $1,221 $1,221 to $2,224.99 $2,225 to $2,400.99 $2,401 to $2,578.99 $2,579 or more
3 or more children Less than $1,368 $1,368 to $2,481.99 $2,482 to $2,691.99 $2,692 to 2,901.99 $2,902 or more
Rate that applies to you Rate 0 Rate 1 Rate 2 Rate 3 Nil

Use your rate from the table above to find the payment amount for your subsidy:

Assistance type Rate 0 Rate 1 Rate 2 Rate 3
Childcare Subsidy hourly rate, non-taxable $6.38 $5.09 $3.56 $1.99
Childcare Subsidy up to 50 hours per week, maximum, non‑taxable $319 $254.50 $178 $99.50
OSCAR Subsidy hourly rate, non-taxable $6.38 $5.09 $3.56 $1.99
OSCAR Subsidy during term time up to 20 hours per week, maximum, non-taxable $127.60 $101.80 $71.20 $39.80
OSCAR Subsidy during holidays up to 50 hours per week, maximum, non-taxable $319 $254.50 $178 $99.50

  Rate
For other than NZ Super, Veteran's Pension, Orphans Benefit, or Unsupported Child Benefit $55.35 (net, weekly, after tax at "M")
$61.84 (gross, weekly)

  Rate
Income and asset‑tested - maximum $2,559.20

Category Weekly income limits before tax
Single 16 to 17 years $660.90
Single 18+ years $823.31
Married, civil union or de facto couple (with or without children) $1,225.95
Sole parent 1 child $921.73
Sole parent 2+ children $971.14

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

Duration Rate, non-taxable
Weekly - maximum $135.75
Yearly - maximum $5,430

Category Net weekly allowance
(after tax at "M")		 Gross weekly allowance

Single student without dependent children
Under 24 years, at home - up to $271.68 $303.85
Under 24 years, away from home - up to $316.30 $357.94
Independent circumstances $316.30 $357.94
24 years or over, at home $307.37 $347.12
24 years or over, away from home $360.93 $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 $269.14 $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) $251.91 $281.46

Couple without dependent children
One student, one dependent partner $630.44 $738.71
Both eligible students (each) $316.30 $357.94
Both students, one eligible $360.93 $412.04

Single student with dependent children
Single student with 1 or more children $508.50 $590.91

Couple with dependent children
Both students, one eligible, with 1 or more children $508.50 $590.91
Both students, both eligible, partner receiving, with 1 or more children (each) $332.23 $377.25
Both students, both eligible, partner not receiving, with 1 or more children $348.15 $396.54
One student, one dependent partner, with 1 or more children $662.30 $777.33

  Weekly rate
Student Loan living cost component - maximum $316.39