Government says sick 18- and 19-year-olds should be supported by parents, not JobSeeker benefit

UpdatedJulia GabelPolitical Journalist·NZ Herald·29 Jul, 2026 05:35 AM3 mins to read‌The Minister of Social Development and Employment Louise Upston speaks to reporters at Parliament. Photo / Mark Mitchell Teenagers between 18 and 19 years old who are unable to work fulltime because they are sick or disabled could lose their JobSeeker benefit from November under new narrowed-down eligibility criteria. The Government is tightening criteria for JobSeeker - a weekly payment for people who temporarily cannot work fulltime