Unemployment Benefits in Auckland

Tools:

The country's unemployment rate rose from 4.6 percent in the December 2008 quarter to 5.0 percent in the March 2009 quarter, the highest for six years. Traditionally, the only countries to have a lower unemployment rate than New Zealand were Switzerland and Korea.

Employment growth in Auckland city has been trending downwards over the past few years, falling from an average annual growth of 2.7 per cent in March 2006 to 1.2 per cent in March 2007 and -0.5 per cent in March 2008. Auckland's unemployment is currently 6.5 per cent.

Who can get it?

You may get the Unemployment Benefit (or "dole") if you are not in full-time work.

You must be:

  • available for, and looking for full time work
  • 18 years old or over (or 16-17 if you are married or in a civil union or in a de facto relationship and have one or more children you support).
  • be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident
  • have lived in New Zealand for at least 2 years at any one time since becoming a New Zealand citizen or resident (unless you are a refugee).

People who apply for the benefit may be asked to develop a Job Seeker Agreement with Work and Income where he/she agrees to look for work or prepare for work.

How much you can get

This depends on your current circumstances. Current benefit levels are between $115.94 and $249.10 a week depending on the applicant's age and living situation

Category

Gross Weekly Rate (NZ$)

Single, 20 to 24

148.73

Single, 25 or over

178.49

Single parent

249.10

The benefit payment can reduce due to any income the person or their partner earns.

How to apply

Work and Income provides financial assistance and employment services throughout New Zealand and operates the service for unemployment benefit.

If you’re aged 16 to 64, you need to:

You have 20 working days from when you first contacted them (submitting your online application form counts as contacting them).

Update 6/12/2009


Tools:

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest WhatsApp Addthis

Recommended Partners

Keep more of your money when transferring funds overseas!

Fexco_logo

If you want to move money abroad, from New Zealand or to New Zealand for example, Fexco provides efficient and secure global bank to bank transfers and bespoke payment solutions for both business and personal clients.

Why Fexco

Fexco provides a secure international money transfer service online or by telephone with bank beating fx rates and low fees. Specialises in high-value transfers.

Faster, cheaper, safer International money transfers.
Dedicated fx dealer who will oversee your transfer from start to finish
Make payments from anywhere with our secure online platform, PayDirect.
If you prefer the personal touch, then our payments team can be contacted by phone.

Main characteristics

Fexco will help you to keep your overseas money transfer costs to a minimum.

Margin 0.6%
Regulator FCA
Fee £10 < £5K or Free > £5k
Mini £1K
Ccy All (130 currencies, incl ‘exotics’)
Services Repatriation of funds, Property, Regular payments, High Value payments, spot, online, telephone.

Get an online quote today

When you are ready to make your transfer, John and his team will be available to help you with better rates and an unrivalled service to make sure your funds are delivered securely and speedily.



Do you have comments or personal information to communicate about this article? Add your comment.


Find more definitions and general answers on expatriation issues in the Expat FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions).

Go to the Forum to talk more about unemployment benefits in Auckland, at work.

Download the full digital PDF expat guide in Auckland

Download the guide: Auckland, New Zealand
  • See in one single booklet all the articles for a city guide for expatriates.
  • Enjoy full colour photos to illustrate each section.
  • Additionnal maps: Region, City view, Neighborhood, Street view.

  • - My Life Abroad -
    A selection of expat stories

    "A fun compulsive read!"
    J. Matcham, Amazon

    "I strongly advise people ready to live abroad to read this book!"
    Patrice, Amazon