Groups supporting beneficiaries have written an open letter to the Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, calling for urgent changes to the way the welfare system defines relationships.
At the moment, someone can have their payments reduced, or cut entirely, if they're deemed to be in a relationship in the nature of marriage.
Hannah McGowan is raising two teenagers on the supported living payment and told our reporter Sarah Robson what it's like trying to form new relationships while on the benefit.
