Government announces changes to benefits

The Minister for Social Development and Employment, Paula Bennett, today announced the introduction of Future Focus - a new package aimed at getting people off benefits and into paid work.

 Future Focus will provide:

• financial incentives to reward those who work
• support to get people back into paid work, and
• stronger expectations and sanctions for those who do not meet their obligations.

Some of the changes include: 

• An annual reapplication process for the Unemployment Benefit. 
• Annual increases in benefit rates, in line with the cost of living increases.
• Part-time work test obligations for sole parents with children six years and over and Sickness Beneficiaries.
• The income abatement thresholds will increase from $80 to $100 per week. Part-time thresholds will also increase by $20 from $180 to $200 per week.
• Changes to childcare assistance income thresholds.
• More detailed medical certificates for Sickness and Invalids Beneficiaries.

For more information on the changes and to view the fact sheets visit the Ministry of Social Development Website.

 To view the Minister's announcement go to the Beehive website.