Latest from Ministry of Social Development

19 separate identities and $82k stolen: Man jailed for part in Covid relief fraud

The high-trust model was exploited during a time of national crisis.

Job market woes mean high beneficiary numbers in Northland

Companies being cautious with their spending equalled more cautious employing.

Police move to seize land and cash related to alleged $2m Winz fraud

The men, who are linked to an Auckland furniture company, haven't been arrested.

Budget advisers say people struggling with tens of thousands of dollars in Work and Income debt

Loans, housing costs, death of a partner and unemployment are main causes of poverty.

Record benefit number sparks unemployment warning

Just over 6% of the population, or 204,765, were on Jobseeker Support in September.

Number of benefits cut more than doubles in a year

Missed appointments and failing to prepare for work have contributed to the cuts.

'Sanctions have done nothing': Jobseekers say they struggle under traffic light pressure

Young people on the benefit say they're barely surviving as they struggle to find work.

‘Mean-spirited’: Labour attacks Govt decision on hardship assistance for sanctioned beneficiaries

MSD recommended beneficiaries on non-financial sanctions have access to hardship payments.

Parents of disabled kids ‘horrified’ at residential care restrictions after funding freeze

The Government says it's a temporary measure and that there's capacity in the system.

Foster mum of seven children jailed for $221k benefit fraud

'She has taken advantage of the benefit system for her own personal gain.'

Ministry apologises after telling sick beneficiary to supply CV

'I actually really stressed about this' - The beneficiary received the letter by accident.

'I've been betrayed': Benefit cut after one missed appointment

A former public servant lost all his JobSeeker allowance after missing one appointment.

So much more than a 'cool job': Solo mum on a benefit turns into digger-driving trailblazer

'It just came to the point where I was totally sick of that kind of life.'

Opinion: Disabled community alone, anxious after Whaikaha 'gouging'

OPINION: For years disabled people have had little choice and control over their lives.

Changes to benefit ‘may negatively impact young jobseekers’

The changes include requiring recipients to reapply every six months.

Concerns support for disabled Māori and Pasifika people could 'slip away again'

Fears due to Govt's planned restructure of Whaikaha, the Ministry of Disabled People.