Benefit rule change for seasonal workers

1.00pm


The benefit stand-down assessment period for seasonal workers is being changed in an effort to attract more people into seasonal work, Associate Social Development Minister Rick Barker announced today.

Currently, unemployment benefit applicants have their income over the previous 26 weeks assessed to determine their stand-down period before they receive the benefit.

However, from next May 1 they can choose whether to have their income assessed over the 26-week period or over 52 weeks.

"What this means is, say someone's been working picking apples for a season and had a good income but then little work at other times of the year, it would be accurate to only assess that short period when they were earning for the stand-down period," Mr Barker said.

"The change will mean income can be considered over the whole year period and is likely to result in shorter stand-down periods for these valued workers."

The Government had budgeted $5.5 million over four years for the change.

- NZPA