Changes for young people applying for Jobseeker Support

Effective from 2 November 2026, 18- and 19-year-olds without children, and a small number of 16- and 17-year-olds, will need to complete a Parental Assistance Test, as well as meeting the usual eligibility requirements, to be eligible for Jobseeker Support or an equivalent Emergency Benefit. 

It is expected that all young people are supported by their parents in the first instance, rather than relying on MSD’s support. 

The supporting statement needs to be completed by someone who knows the young person’s situation and can confirm that the young person can’t reasonably rely on one of their parents for financial support. This may be because of a family breakdown, the young person does not know their parent, or the parent is missing.   

There is information for about this change on the Work and Income website: https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/eligibility/18-19-year-olds/providing-a-statement