Jobseeker Support client with New Zealand Superannuation partner - income assessment
The gross income of the client and their partner is used to assess the client's rate of Jobseeker Support.
The deduction is half the abatement amount that would be applied if the couple were getting Jobseeker Support - Income test 4.
New Zealand Superannuation or Veterans Pension is not included as income for the income test and is not reduced because of the couple's income.
Example 1
Client getting Jobseeker Support at the half-married rate.
Partner getting the half-married rate of New Zealand Superannuation.
The couple's weekly income is $275.00 gross a week and no dependent children.
Income weekly | Partner 1 - Jobseeker Support - half couple rate | Partner 2 - New Zealand Superannuation - half couple rate | |
$316.97 net (as at 1 April 2026) | $492.14 gross (as at 1 April 2026) | ||
Couple's gross income | $275.00 | Not abated | |
Less income allowed before Jobseeker Support is affected (as at 1 April 2022) | $160.00 | ||
Income that will affect Jobseeker Support | $115.00 | ||
Half abatement deduction income over $160 35c per $1 | $40.25 | $40.25 | |
Jobseeker Support payable | $276.72 net | $492.14 gross |
Note this example also applies to a Jobseeker Support client with a Veteran's Pension partner.
Legislation
- Rates of benefit: Jobseeker Support, New Zealand Superannuation and Veteran's Pension Schedule 4, Part 1, clause 1(h) Social Security Act 2018
- Rates of benefit: Jobseeker Support and veteran's pension Schedule 4, Part 1, clause 1(i) Social Security Act 2018
- Income test 4 (definition) Schedule 2 Social Security Act 2018
