Life on a benefit

Graham Dick (Dec 5) has strong opinions for someone who is clearly ill-informed about the benefit system. The unemployment benefit was replaced by Jobseeker Support in the 2013 welfare reforms.

He also speculates that ‘‘perhaps the benefit is too high and other benefits provide a basic lifestyle without working’’.

For the record, Jobseeker Support is $212.45 per week for single adults over 25, or $177.03 for those married or under 25. Hardly a lifestyle choice. Any extra supplementary benefits he alludes to are only for extra health or accommodation costs, all available to low income wage earners.

NOEL ELLIS Benefit Rights Advocate, Mt Cook