General information only. Confirm with the agency for your situation. Spotted something out of date? Email help@unemployed.nz.
Part-time work on Jobseeker Support
See what you keep after tax and benefit reductions at different weekly hours, so you can tell if casual work pays.
Adult minimum wage is $23.95.
Enter the hours you could work to see whether it pays.
At $23.95 an hour
No work$372.55 in hand
5 hours a week$469.25 in hand
10 hours a week$510.30 in hand
15 hours a week$525.51 in hand
20 hours a week$545.09 in hand
25 hours a week$564.68 in hand
30 hours a week$601.19 in hand
40 hours a week$794.59 in hand
Rates from 1 April 2026. Jobseeker Support reduces by 70c per $1 earned over $160 a week. Tax is estimated from a year-end view of benefit and wages together; a secondary tax code can take more tax during the year and give some back after. You must tell Work and Income about every dollar you earn, every week. Costs of working (transport, childcare) are not counted here.
Sources: Single deduction table