Legislation which the Government says will help reduce welfare dependancy has passed its second reading in Parliament.
The Social Security (Youth Support and Work Focus) Amendment Bill creates tougher work tests for parents on the Domestic Purposes Benefit and those on the widows and women alone benefit.
It also sets up a new youth benefit, on which recipients will have a payment card for food and groceries, and their rent, power and phone bills will be paid directly.
Social Development Minister Paula Bennett says the Government wants to transform the welfare system and make it less attractive to young people.
