Latest from Social Welfare

Welfare reforms to add pressure to unwilling workers

Long-term unemployed, sickness beneficiaries and single mothers on the DPB with children over six are about to come under extra scrutiny under new Govt reforms.

Welfare reform aims to get more into jobs - Key

Should there be tougher criteria for getting a benefit?

Minimum wage - the $15 question

More than 150,000 people have petitioned to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour, but Act says $12.75 is already too much. Simon Collins investigates.

Maori ministry to run Whanau Ora

Couple took victim's benefit money, then they took her life

Fraudster who stole babies' identities loses appeal

A man who stole the identities of dead infants to commit benefit fraud gave himself up after 16 years on the run.

Abbott's scheme ruffles feathers

Family still on struggle street after Key leaves

The mother of the 12-year-old girl John Key took to Waitangi three years ago says she feels let down by the Prime Minister.

Beneficiary loses luxury wheels

A sickness beneficiary with a taxpayer-subsidised state house was instead living in an upmarket Auckland suburb and driving luxury cars worth $250,000.

Unemployment hits its highest level in a decade

Population rise to blame for jobless hike - Govt

Dollar dips below US70c, hit by surprise unemployment stat

Today's unemployment figure has surprised many, with most - including the Reserve Bank, expecting a figure well under 7 per cent.

Clothed and confident

Angela McCarthy finds a company helping women get back to work.

Families with kids feel pinch hardest

An official survey has found that families with children are far more likely to be in hardship than any other New Zealanders.

A brave dad shoulders the heartbreaking burden of care

Cliff Robinson has invested a lifetime raising his disabled son and daughter and is fighting the Government to lighten his load.