Officials warned ministers against welfare changes for teenagers
Wednesday 26 November 2025 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated In this story Christopher Luxon, Louise Upston, Ministry of Social Development
Newly released documents show officials advised the government against tightening welfare eligibility for 18 and 19-year-olds. The Ministry of Social Development warned that the crackdown could increase long-term benefit dependency and potentially incentivise teenage pregnancies.
How they headlined it
More on Jobseeker changes for young people
- Citizens Advice Bureau report reveals crisis in welfare support
- Greens claim benefit changes will increase food bank usage
- South Island employers report mixed job market conditions
- Hundreds of disabled or sick teenagers may lose Jobseeker benefits
- New policy makes many 18 and 19 year olds ineligible for Jobseeker benefit
