Numbers of recipients of payments for the unemployed, the sick and those in special circumstances, from 1943

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The number of recipients of unemployment and related benefits as at June each year since 1943 is shown in the table below. The growth in the recipient numbers up to the mid 1990s largely reflected both economic conditions and an increase in the categories of people eligible to receive benefits. The significant increase in 1994 and 1995 was a result of the inclusion of partnered parents. From then numbers gradually declined until 2009, largely reflecting economic conditions and the closure of several non-activity-tested payments. The proportion of recipients receiving unemployment benefits has increased over recent years as other payments have been closed to new entrants.

(a) From 1992 Job Search Allowance and Newstart Allowance, from 1995 Job Search Allowance, Newstart Allowance and Youth Training Allowance, from 1997 Newstart Allowance, from 1999 Newstart Allowance and Youth Allowance (other than full-time students).
(b) From 1992 Sickness Allowance.
(c) From 1942 Widow B Pension, from 1942 to 1989 Widow C Pension, from 1989 to 1994 Widowed Person's Allowance, from 1995 to 2005 Bereavement Allowance, from 1995 Widow Allowance, from 1994 Partner Allowance, from 1994 to 2008 Mature Age Allowance and from 1994 to 1995 Mature Age Partner Allowance.

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