Youth unemployment benefits in particular are being trimmed. Beneficiaries usually are interviewed twice a year. Recipients are told they must give something back to the taxpayers, including serious efforts to get and keep jobs. People deemed not to be trying earnestly can have their benefits cut, though nobody seems to get kicked off the rolls forever. Starting April 1 applicants can be penalized for refusing to take a job outside their field if they are considered qualified for it even though it may seem a downgrade.
Boosters say it promotes work and personal dignity and saves money for the taxpayers.
Two particular elements in Wisconsin have New Zealand welfare critics worried. First is the flat rate payment to families regardless of the number of children. This matches the real world, where employers don't ask how many children you have, welfare leaders were told in Auckland last month by Wisconsin's Workfare architect, Jean Rogers. Second is the threat of complete loss of benefits. Rogers says this can be eased on a special-case basis.