Hundreds of disabled or sick teenagers may lose Jobseeker benefits

Wednesday 8 October 2025 · 4 outlets · 3 reports · updated Wed 8 Oct 2025, 5:55pm

In this story Ministry of Social Development

Government welfare changes could cut off Jobseeker payments for hundreds of 18- and 19-year-olds with disabilities or health conditions. The policy ends payments for young people whose parents earn more than $65,000, a move intended to encourage employment.

How they headlined it

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1. Otago Daily TimesWed 8 Oct 2025, 5:14pm

   Hundreds of disabled, sick teens may be cut from jobseeker benefits, data shows (opens in new tab)

2. 1News via RNZWed 8 Oct 2025, 5:33pm

   Teens with health conditions, disabilities may lose Jobseeker benefit (opens in new tab)

3. Stuff via RNZWed 8 Oct 2025, 5:55pm

   Hundreds of teens with a health condition, disability may be cut from Jobseeker benefit (opens in new tab)

   Also on RNZ (opens in new tab)