Payment rate changes from 1 April 2022

We wanted to let you know about changes in payment rates happening from 1 April.  We have our Annual General Adjustment of payment rates which happens every year, and also some additional changes to payments which were announced last year in Budget 2021

All these payments will be adjusted automatically (other than Student Loan payments).  Clients don’t need to do anything.  As 1 April falls part way through a payment period, the full increase will be paid in the second payment (the week of 11 April if paid weekly).

Main benefits are increasing on 1 April 2021

Payment rates for people getting Supported Living Payment, Jobseeker Support, Sole Parent Support, Youth Payment, Young Parent Payment, and other main benefits are increasing, over and above the Annual General Adjustment.  Payment rates for families will increase by an additional $15 a week per adult.  The increase in benefit rates may impact a client’s other payments such as Temporary Additional Support, Accommodation Supplement, or contribution to emergency housing but all clients will be better off. 

Orphan’s Benefit and Unsupported Child’s Benefit

Payments to carers will increase bringing these into line with payments made to carers through Oranga Tamariki.

Income thresholds for Childcare Assistance

Childcare Assistance income thresholds will increase, in line with net average wage growth.  This will maintain current levels of Childcare Assistance for parents as wages grow.  This means that families will still be able to receive help to pay for childcare as wages increase over time.

Working for Families tax credits

Working for Families tax credits will be increasing.  Best Start tax credit and Families Tax Credit will receive a boost, increasing support for lower income and beneficiary families.

Changes to Student Allowance and Student Loan

Student Allowance and Student Living cost will be increasing by $25 a week.  Students who receive Student Allowance will receive this increase automatically.  Students who want to increase their Student Living costs will need to request this change, as it increases their loan.

There’s more information on the Work and Income website about these changes, including the table of new benefit rates.

If you have any questions about these changes, please get in touch.

• Working-age clients – 0800 559 009
• Over 65s – 0800 552 002
• StudyLink – 0800 88 99 00