Benefit rates: How much you’ll get, and how much you can earn
Benefit rates
What rate of benefit will I be on?
This will depend on your particular benefit, your personal circumstances (for example, if you have any children and if so, how many), and whether you have other income.
For information about the benefit rates that apply from 1 April 2021, visit: www.workandincome.govt.nz and search “April benefit rates”.
If you earn income while on the benefit, this could affect your benefit rate, see below, “How earning money will affect your benefit (‘Abatement’)”.
Annual adjustments of benefit rates
The government usually adjusts all benefit rates once a year, on 1 April.
Upcoming changes to benefit rates
In May 2021, the government announced an increase of benefit rates. They will be increased over two stages: On 1 July 2021 all main benefits will increase by $20 per adult per week. This will happen automatically so you don’t need to do anything.
On 1 April 2022, all main benefits will further increase to levels recommended by the Welfare Expert Advisory Group in 2019.
Families with children get an additional top-up of $15 per adult a week.
You can also earn more money before your benefit is affected. See below for the new changes to how much you can earn from 1 April 2021.
