February 2, 2005

Multiple Stays On DPB Accumulate

The number of people who have been on the DPB or emergency maintenance allowance more than once since 1993 is almost 44,000, according to Lindsay Mitchell, petitioner for a Parliamentary review of the DPB.

"The following breakdown replaces information I released earlier this week;

People receiving DPB or EMA at 28 May 04 who have received the benefit more than once since 1 January 1993;

More than once 43,932 More than twice 17,653 More than 3 times 7,177 More than 4 times 2,943 More than 5 times 1,282 More than 6 times 553 More than 7 times 238 More than 8 times 108

Because many people have repeated spells on the DPB the average total stay is significantly longer than the average continuous stay, usually quoted as between one and three years."

(This table does not include periods spent on other benefits.)

Lindsay Mitchell petitioner for a Parliamentary review of the DPB forms available from www.liberalvalues.org.nz contact dandl.mitchell@clear.net.nz

ENDS