The Wireless

More help for teen parents, beneficiaries

16:57 pm on 11 August 2014

The National Party intends to extend its policy for young beneficiaries to more young people if re-elected on 20 September.

In 2012, National introduced payment cards and money management advice for 16- and 17-year-olds receiving the Youth Payment, and for parents up to age of 18.

Under the new policy, Work and Income would refer people under 20 with complex needs to a youth service provider and would receive intensive support and guidance, budgeting support and a payment card.

On Monday, it said it would extend that to 19-year-old sole parents and to many other beneficiaries aged 18 and 19.