The Greens say our benefit system's driving people into further hardship.

One News reports about 560,000 people owe almost $2 billion to the Ministry of Social Development.

Social Development and Employment spokesperson Ricardo Menendez March believes that figure should be wiped.

Former Work and Income boss Christine Rankin told Heather du Plessis-Allan if the benefit is raised, the number of people depending on it will increase dramatically.

"What reason will they have to get a job if it's increased, people will be trapped on the benefit. The Government is in a terrible position."

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