People who went on the benefit during the covid-19 lockdown were more likely to be first time beneficiaries, higher earners, recently returned from overseas, and Pākehā.
A new Ministry of Social Development report has found more than 48,000 people were granted a benefit during the lockdown period - an increase of almost 170 per cent compared to the same period a year ago.
The report comes the day after the release of the 2020 Budget, which included no increase to welfare payments.
RNZ's social issues reporter, Sarah Robson, spoke to Māni Dunlop.
