Modelling commissioned by the Ministry of Social Development point to more people on welfare, and people staying there for longer. 

It suggests those on the job-seeker benefit spend an average of 13 years getting the support. 

Social Development Minister Louise Upston told Mike Hosking that it's a problem her Government has inherited. 

She knew the figures were getting worse, but says this new data is absolutely shocking. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

• MSD warns incoming minister of rising number of Kiwis on benefit, more increases likely
• Schools to blame for uptick of young people on the benefit - Youth advocate