Does my employer have to pay redundancy compensation?
No, your employer does not have to pay it. You only get redundancy compensation if it is in your employment agreement or a workplace policy, or you have agreed it with your employer. Your employer must still give you the notice period in your agreement, or a reasonable notice period if none is stated. Your final pay must include your holiday pay.
Official figures
- Age
- 18 or older. If you have dependent children, 20 or older.1
- Residence requirement
- You must be a New Zealand citizen or hold a residence class visa. You must have lived in New Zealand for at least 2 years in a row since becoming a citizen or getting your residence visa. You must also be ordinarily resident in New Zealand.1
- Maximum weekly rate (after tax, no children)
- Single, 25 or older: NZ$372.55. Single, 20–24: NZ$324.50. Single, 18–19, not living with parents: NZ$324.50. Single, 18–19, living with parents: NZ$276.46. Couple: NZ$316.97 each (NZ$633.94 total).1
- Maximum weekly rate (after tax, with children)
- Sole parent: NZ$521.52. Couple: NZ$334.70 each (NZ$669.40 total).1
- Income limits (before tax, per week, including your partner's income)
- Single, 25 or older: under NZ$693. Single, 20–24: under NZ$624. Couple with no children: under NZ$1,066. Couple with children: under NZ$1,117. Sole parent: under NZ$957.1
Official sources
- Jobseeker SupportWork and Income (MSD) · workandincome.govt.nz
- Stand-down periodsWork and Income (MSD) · workandincome.govt.nz
- Your obligations while getting Jobseeker SupportWork and Income (MSD) · workandincome.govt.nz
- RedundancyEmployment New Zealand (MBIE) · employment.govt.nz
Read the full guide: Lost your job? Jobseeker Support explained →
People also ask
- What financial support can I get if I lose my job in New Zealand?
- How much is Jobseeker Support per week after redundancy?
- I got my residence visa (PR) less than 2 years ago. Can I get Jobseeker Support?
- Can I get an unemployment benefit if I am on a work visa and lose my job?
- How long after approval does the Jobseeker payment start?
- What do I have to do while on Jobseeker Support? Can it be stopped if I miss an interview?
Answers are based on official New Zealand government pages. Check the official source before you act. This is not immigration, legal or tax advice.
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