Young Kiwis will face stricter Jobseeker rules, due to a new crackdown on benefit dependency

The Government's today announced 18- and 19-year-olds without children, must pass a Parental Assistance Test ,to qualify from November 2026.

It will also pay a one-thousand dollar bonus, to those who find work and stay off benefits, for a year.

Prime Minister Chris Luxon, says benefits should be a safety net, not a lifestyle choice.

He says people who go a benefit before they're 25-years-old stay on it for an average of 18 years.