Over quarter of Kiwis to get help to ease cost of living

“The coalition Government is relentlessly focused on helping Kiwi families deal with the high cost of living we inherited from the last government.

Over a quarter of New Zealanders will get help to ease the cost of living from Monday, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says.

“The coalition Government is relentlessly focused on helping Kiwi families deal with the high cost of living we inherited from the last government.

“Even though the economic outlook for the Government is tough right now, one of our priorities is to support those on low-to-middle incomes who need a helping hand.

“From Monday, parents, students, pensioners, and people on main benefits will all get a little extra to help when their payments increase in line with the cost of living.

“The April 1 changes will see a couple with children receiving Jobseeker Support get an extra $56.48 a fortnight, while single parents will see their Sole Parent benefits increase by $44.02 per fortnight.

"Pensioners will be better off with the amount paid to a couple receiving NZ Super or the Veteran's Pension set to increase by $71.08 per fortnight and the rate for a single superannuitant living along increasing by $46.20 per fortnight.

“About 45,000 students will see a bump in their student allowance, with under-24s who are living away from home to get an extra $27.94 a fortnight.

“Hardworking families will also get more help through an increase to the payment rates for childcare assistance that is expected to benefit around 25,000 children. The $305 maximum weekly rate rises to $319.

“Every little bit counts and this Government is committed to supporting those who are really feeling the pinch from the high cost of living.”

(With Inputs from New Zealand Government Press Release)