An economics professor says Working For Families abatement thresholds have fallen behind and should increase.

The Government lifted the abatement threshold in 2017, from a little more than $36,000 to $42,700.

But wage growth has pushed many families over the limit for receiving it.

Auckland University associate economics professor Susan St John told Kate Hawkesby an increase between $52,000 and $55,000 would be realistic.

She says it's very serious; more and more families are unable to balance budgets, and are at food banks.

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