2017 Annual Report of the Benefit System for Working-Age Adults

The seventh annual projection model and report on New Zealand’s working-age benefit system.

The Ministry of Social Development uses the modelling provided in these reports to better understand how New Zealanders will move through the benefit system, and to forecast service demand and shape future service provision.

This report forecasts the future benefit system service usage of approximately 540,000 working-age clients who received income support between 1 July 2016 and 30 June 2017 (around one fifth of New Zealand’s working-age population).

This year, new analysis strengthens understanding of long-term benefit outcomes and new Ministry of Education data on education attainment, enrolments and stand-downs is included in the modelling. Other highlights include an assessment of the 3K to Work grant, a focus on health-related outcomes and outcomes for those who have been off a benefit for a number of years, the 25-29 age group and Māori clients.