More children are living in poverty than ever before.

Ministry of Social development figures shows more than 200,000 children are living in benefit-dependent homes.

The National Party says as the recession bites it's likely to get worse.

Spokesperson for Child Poverty Louise Upston told Mike Hosking benefit dependency has spiralled out of control.

She says there's no excuse when there are employers everywhere looking for staff.

LISTEN ABOVE

• Kate Hawkesby: There is a disturbing entrenchment happening in regard to benefits
• Carmel Sepuloni: It's unfair to say increase to benefits will create culture of welfare dependency