Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says the change, which takes effect from today, is aimed at encouraging more regular engagement between jobseekers and the Ministry of Social Development (MSD).
“Reapplying for their benefit more often makes sure people receiving Jobseeker Support engage with MSD more regularly,” Upston said. “It allows frontline staff to ensure people are doing everything they can to find a job and get the right kind of support.”
The six-monthly reapplication process is also intended to give MSD more frequent opportunities to review a person’s eligibility and clarify their obligations while receiving the benefit.
Upston said the new requirement is part of the Government’s broader effort to support people off welfare and into work. “Having to apply only once a year was a significant gap and didn’t help either jobseekers or the MSD staff working with them,” she said.
The Government has made adjustments to the reapplication process to make it more streamlined. In some cases, people who have recently interacted with MSD about their job search may be able to complete the process online without an in-person appointment.
According to the Minister, the changes aim to reduce administrative burden while keeping the focus on helping people overcome barriers to employment. “The improved reapplication process means less time repeating information and more time focusing on support,” Upston said.
Broadcaster Chris Lynch is an award winning journalist who also produces Christchurch news and video content for domestic and international companies. This article was originally published by Chris Lynch Media and is published here with kind permission.
The six-monthly reapplication process is also intended to give MSD more frequent opportunities to review a person’s eligibility and clarify their obligations while receiving the benefit.
Upston said the new requirement is part of the Government’s broader effort to support people off welfare and into work. “Having to apply only once a year was a significant gap and didn’t help either jobseekers or the MSD staff working with them,” she said.
The Government has made adjustments to the reapplication process to make it more streamlined. In some cases, people who have recently interacted with MSD about their job search may be able to complete the process online without an in-person appointment.
According to the Minister, the changes aim to reduce administrative burden while keeping the focus on helping people overcome barriers to employment. “The improved reapplication process means less time repeating information and more time focusing on support,” Upston said.
Broadcaster Chris Lynch is an award winning journalist who also produces Christchurch news and video content for domestic and international companies. This article was originally published by Chris Lynch Media and is published here with kind permission.
1 comment:
Excellent - albeit I would want monthly. It will require additional resources to start with but I bet that things would get better as the unemployment numbers reduce. It would also reduce pressure on Immigration as we wont need so many people to fill jobs that local lazies can’t be bothered doing. I also want the Minister to remind people that the taxpayer is paying for all this largesse.
Post a Comment