30/03/2026
Some payment changes coming from Thursday 1 April 2026 for beneficiaries.
Kia ora 👋 A reminder that payment changes come into effect tomorrow, Wednesday 1 April.
These changes mean updated payment rates for a range of supports, including:
👵 NZ Super and Veteran’s Pension
💼 Jobseeker Support, Sole Parent Support and other benefits
🎓 Student Allowance and Student Loan Living Costs
These changes are part of the Annual General Adjustment, which happens each year on 1 April. Most payments increase in line with the Consumers Price Index (CPI), which measures changes in the cost of living. NZ Super and Veteran’s Pension is also linked to wage growth. This year, CPI increased by 3.11%.
In total, around 1.5 million people across New Zealand who receive financial support through MSD will be impacted by this.
You don’t need to do anything to receive these increases. Payments will update automatically.
Because the change happens partway through a pay period, your first April payment may include a mix of the old and new rates. This means you may not see the full increase straight away. You’ll receive the full increase in the week of 14 April.
From 1 April you’ll be able to check your updated payment details in MyMSD.
Find more information about the Annual General Adjustments on our website below 👇
https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/about-work-and-income/news/2026/changes-to-benefit-and-payment-rates-from-1-april-2026.html
🚨 Just a reminder, if you see other posts or websites claiming payment changes, take a moment to check where the information is coming from and confirm it with an official source.
Real changes will always be shared in places you know and trust, like the Work and Income website.