Example - partner does not qualify
A client without children gets the half couple's rate of Jobseeker Support because their partner has been sanctioned as they failed an obligation. The couple have joint assets of $200.00.
Weekly chargeable income | Weekly allowable costs | ||
Full net rate of Jobseeker Support for a couple (as at 1 April 2026) | $633.94 | Weekly qualifying accommodation costs (Kāinga Ora rent $180.00) less $34.13 accommodation deduction as at 1 April 2026 | $145.87 |
Disability Allowance (maximum at 1 April 2026) | $82.85 | Disability Allowance costs | $82.85 |
Washing machine | $25.00 | ||
Vehicle repayments | $50.00 | ||
Total chargeable income | $716.79 | Total allowable costs | $303.72 |
Step 1
Calculate the disposable income
Chargeable income | $716.79 |
Less Allowable costs | $303.72 |
Equals Disposable income | $413.07 |
Step 2
Calculate the deficiency
70% of the full net rate of main benefit (70% of $633.94 as at 1 April 2026) | $443.75 |
Less Disposable income | $413.07 |
Equals Deficiency | $30.68 |
Step 3
Calculate the client's upper limit for Temporary Additional Support then compare this amount to the deficiency.
Upper limit Upper limit 30% of the full net couple's rate of Jobseeker Support (30% of $633.94 as at 1 April 2026) | $190.18 |
Deficiency (from step 2) | $30.68 |
Compare the upper limit to the income deficiency. The rate for Temporary Additional Support is the lesser of the deficiency or the upper limit unless the client qualifies for a disability exception amount | $30.68 lesser amount |
Rate of payment The calculated couple's rate for Temporary Additional Support is $30.68. Divide this amount by 2 and only pay $15.34 to the qualifying client. | $15.34 |
In this case the client does not qualify for a disability exception amount because the deficiency is less than the upper limit.
Legislation
- Prescribed amount of support: exceptions regulation 66 Social Security Regulations 2018
