A Common Problem

I just read
When belt tightening is not enough
By Simon Collins (NZ Herald)
5:30 AM Tuesday Aug 17, 2010

And was glad to see an article showing what reality is like for Beneficiaries, but saddened to see Sara’s case and that it is now “unfixable”. Previously there was discretion in the Special Benefit (no longer available and replaced by the stricter Temporary Additional Support) to grant it at a rate higher than the calculated amount to ensure the client actually had enough for their necessary costs.

We notice that the Government wants people on the DPB to look for part time work or take a course to make them more work-ready. However, they axed the TIA for people like Sara trying to get out of the Benefit / minimum wage dungeon they find themselves in. Paula Bennett thinks people on the DPB will feel better if they work, but the reality is that the suitable jobs for people in this situation are extremely rare. Halving people’s benefits if they do not get a job will NOT create more jobs.

We at Beneficiary Advisory Service see a lot of people in similar circumstances to Sara. Regardless of whether people are trying to study or not, many beneficiaries do not have enough for their basic costs as the benefit system neither acknowledges the rising costs of rent, heating, petrol and food nor does it take account of the unique circumstances of the individuals.

If the Government wants to see more people in work, they need to create more jobs. People on benefits would generally rather be in work. Due to circumstances beyond their control they are on a benefit. People on benefits do not need to be punished or put down, they are already down. What they need is a hand up. This is support to get study, support to find suitable work, acknowledgement of the work they already do (caring for children, other family members and a household), suitable health care and rehabilitation for illnesses and addictions, support when a suitable job is found (so that the person is financially and psychologically better off). Some people need to be on a benefit for a few months or years due to their medical or domestic circumstances or due to lack of work. It is important in a civilised country to support all members of society, however unfortunate. Marginalising people most disadvantaged and least resourced members of our community makes no sense. I urge everyone to make a decision not to be part of a hate campaign encouraged by the current government, but to be supportive and encouraging to all members of society.

Rebecca Occleston
Media Spokesperson
Beneficiary Advisory Service

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