Welfare Reform: changes coming in July 2013
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New Zealand’s welfare system is changing to better help people who are able to work to get ready for employment and into a job. The focus is on what people can do to achieve a better future for them and their family.
A number of significant changes involving the types of benefits and obligations beneficiaries must meet in return come into effect from 15 July, 2013.
There are three new benefits. These replace most of the current main benefits:
- Jobseeker Support
- Sole Parent Support
- Supported Living Payment.
The obligations being introduced vary depending on the benefit and people’s circumstances. Benefit payments stay the same.
Work and Income will write to people affected before the changes come in on 15 July, 2013.
Second stage of welfare reforms passed by Parliament
Parliament has passed the Social Security (Benefit Categories and Work Focus) Amendment Bill. This Bill will simplify the benefit categories and introduce new obligations beneficiaries need to meet. Benefit payments won’t change.
The new benefit categories will be:
- Jobseeker Support
- Sole Parent Support
- Supported Living Payment.
The new obligations vary depending on the benefit and people’s situations. They include new work-related obligations and also requirements that parents and caregivers must meet.
Work and Income will write to people affected by the changes, prior to them coming into effect on 15 July, 2013.
Investment approach refocuses entire welfare system
Social Development Minister Paula Bennett has announced further detail on the investment approach and the actuarial valuation of the welfare system.
Social obligations mean better outcomes for children
Incorporating important health and wellbeing goals into welfare reform will help ensure children get the best possible start in life says Social Development Minister Paula Bennett.
Benefits stopped for those with arrest warrants
People with outstanding arrest warrants will no longer receive a benefit while evading Police.
