New parental income test for young jobseekers from November next year

Monday 6 October 2025 · 5 outlets · 2 reports · updated Mon 6 Oct 2025, 7:48am

In this story Ministry of Social Development

A youth advocate has criticised upcoming government changes that will require parents to undergo means-testing before 18 or 19-year-olds can access Jobseeker support or Emergency Benefits. The new rules are scheduled to take effect in November next year.

How they headlined it

5:47am7:48am

1. The Press via RNZMon 6 Oct 2025, 5:47am

   Jobseeker changes: 'Punished for economic crisis they didn't create' (opens in new tab)

   Also on RNZ (opens in new tab), 1News (opens in new tab), Stuff (opens in new tab)

2. Otago Daily TimesMon 6 Oct 2025, 7:48am

   Youth advocate hits back at jobseeker changes (opens in new tab)