Quick answer
Separate ongoing living costs from urgent expenses today. Jobseeker Support may be relevant if you are looking for work, working part-time and seeking more work, or temporarily unable to work because of health. Check housing and food help separately. Eligibility is assessed by the agency. [1][2][3]
Check your situation
- Have you lost all work, had your hours reduced, or stopped because of health?
- What income do you and your partner have, and when was your last wage paid?
- Do you have dependent children, housing costs or an urgent need for food?
Use these questions for your own planning. You do not need to enter or submit personal information here.
Support to explore
These are starting points, not eligibility decisions. Check each programme separately.
Jobseeker Support
Weekly living support while looking for work or temporarily unable to work. Full-time students should check StudyLink first. [1]
Official conditions and application information ↗Accommodation Supplement
Help with eligible rent, board or home ownership costs, subject to income, asset and housing conditions. [2]
Official conditions and application information ↗Food assistance
Explore this if you have no other way to pay for food now. You do not need to already receive a benefit. [3]
Official conditions and application information ↗What to check before applying
- Age, ability to work, your and your partner’s income, and residence conditions matter. A Work Capacity Medical Certificate may be needed for health-related applications. [1]
- A waiting period may affect your first payment. The reviewed guidance says you must reapply every 26 weeks if you still need Jobseeker Support. Approval and payment dates are not necessarily the same. [1]
Application checklist
Gather these documents first. The official application process determines which evidence is required and how to provide it.
- Identity and visa or residence documents.
- Your last working date, wages, partner’s income and existing payments.
- Tenancy agreement or housing bills; check medical evidence requirements if health affects your work.
What to do next
- If food is urgent, contact Work and Income through its Food page. Existing clients may be able to use MyMSD. [3]
- Start through the official Jobseeker Support page and complete the evidence, appointment and MyMSD steps requested. [1]
- Confirm the waiting period, first payment date and how to report changes in work or income. [1]
Amounts, payment start dates, backdating, renewals and combinations can depend on your circumstances. Check the latest official information before applying.
Common questions
Does part-time work rule out Jobseeker Support?
Not necessarily. Part-time workers looking for more work are among the situations listed, but income and other conditions still apply. [1]
Can iKoru submit my application?
No. iKoru provides reading guidance and official links. The agency handles applications and eligibility decisions.
Official sources and review date
These are independent iKoru summaries. Numbered citations link to the sources; official information and later notices take precedence.
- Work and Income: Jobseeker Support ↗Sources checked: 2026-09-28
- Work and Income: Accommodation Supplement ↗Sources checked: 2026-09-28
- Work and Income: Food ↗Sources checked: 2026-09-28
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