Appropriate net rate of Jobseeker Support
The appropriate net rate of Jobseeker Support is the minimum amount MSD can use to calculate a client's emergency housing contribution.
This means if the client's actual net weekly income is lower than this (including cases where the client has no income), MSD will use the appropriate net rate of Jobseeker Support to calculate their emergency housing contribution.
The appropriate net rate of Jobseeker Support is the rate that would apply to the client and their partner (if any):
- based on their circumstances at the time they apply for an Emergency Housing Grant and
- whether or not they would actually qualify for that rate
Example
A client is single, 23 years old and only getting Student Loan living costs of $333.48 (as at 1 April 2026) a week as their main form of financial support. Student Loan living costs are not included as income for emergency housing, so their net weekly emergency housing income is assessed at zero.
They are unable to get Jobseeker Support as they are a full-time student.
The appropriate net rate of Jobseeker Support to use for calculating the client's contribution will be the 'single 20 to 24 years' net rate of $324.50 a week (as at 1 April 2026).
For more information see:
- Deskfile Jobseeker Support rates
