Wairarapa benefit fraud convictions rise

Associate Minister for Social Development Jo Goodhew said the ministry had stepped up efforts to reduce benefit fraud.

Data released by Statistics New Zealand show 19 people were convicted in the Masterton District Court for obtaining benefits by deception - a threefold increase over the six who were convicted in 2013.

Associate Minister for Social Development Jo Goodhew said the ministry had stepped up efforts to reduce benefit fraud.

"Over the past two and a half years around 9500 benefits have been cancelled after fraudulent and illegitimate payments were discovered," she said.

"These changes hold people to account for their actions, and make it difficult to defraud the welfare system."

A vast majority of the fraud has been identified through increased information sharing with Inland Revenue - making it easier for the Social Development Ministry to identify clients who under-declared their incomes, which would have affected benefit payments.

Another key initiative was stricter monitoring of clients who had committed fraud.

Mrs Goodhew said monitoring was a success and thousands were being monitored to ensure they were receiving the correct benefits.

"We've identified around 3000 clients that fall into this category - and it's fantastic to see that since low-trust case management was introduced in October 2013, as at 31 December 2014, none have re-offended.

"These reforms are about stopping people receiving benefits they aren't entitled to, and ensuring the benefit is available for those that genuinely need it.

"We expect to see fewer cases of benefit fraud as our case officers continue working closely with clients to ensure they declare their income and any changes to their circumstances that may affect their entitlement."

NZME.