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New benefit sanctions in place from today

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Mon, 26 May 2025, 6:26am
Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston. Photo / Mark Mitchell
Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston. Photo / Mark Mitchell

New benefit sanctions in place from today

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Mon, 26 May 2025, 6:26am

A view that new sanctions for beneficiaries failing to meet jobseeker obligations, are "sensible."

The changes, as part of the Government's traffic light system, are being rolled out today.

It includes money management - which puts half of someone's benefit onto a payment card, that can only be used at approved stores for four weeks.

Former Welfare Expert Advisory Panel Member, Phil O'Reilly told Ryan Bridge sanctions encourage people to get off a benefit.

He says they also keep taxpayers' faith in the system too.

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