Reducing long-term welfare dependence

National’s Better Public Services results target for welfare is to reduce the number of people who have been on the new benefit, Jobseeker Support, for more than 12 months by 30 per cent – from 78,000 to 55,000 by 2017.

Welfare reform is central to our delivery of better public services to all New Zealanders. Currently 12 per cent of our working age population is on a benefit. We’re focused on helping Kiwis break the cycle of long-term benefit dependence through welfare reform.

After legislation changes next year the Jobseeker Support will combine those currently on Unemployment Related Benefits, Sickness Benefit, Widows, Domestic Purposes Benefit and Women’s Alone Benefit with children over 14 years.

For more information, click here.