Income change

Clients must advise MSD of any change in circumstances that affects their entitlement or rate of benefit payable, such as when they receive or earn income.

Any income that a Jobseeker Support Student Hardship client or their partner (if any) receives must be charged against the benefit for the period in which the income was earned or represents.

If income does not represent a specific period or if MSD cannot determine the actual period it represents, MSD must determine the most appropriate period to charge the income. This may be the week it is received, provided or supplied.

When a client or their partner (if any) declare a change in income, MSD must check that they still qualify for Jobseeker Support Student Hardship and reassess any Extra Help they get.

Note sole parents whose Jobseeker Support Student Hardship commenced before 1 July 2025 may be able to have their income charged annually.

For more information see:

• Sole parents whose benefit commenced before 1 July 2025

When adding income to a client's record MSD must check that there is enough benefit to cover any deductions or redirections. Any deductions or redirections may need to be reduced depending on the amount of benefit due.

For more information see:

• Redirection of benefit payment