Welfare groups urge care with crackdowns

Welfare advocacy groups are urging the government not to make 2014 a year of cuts and crackdowns on social security payments.

The call comes as the government prepares to consider it's response to the Commission of Audit this year.

With the onset of the new year, a number of welfare payments have been increased in line with the Consumer Price Index.

Maree O'Halloran from the National Welfare Rights Networks has told Brianna Roberts despite the small increase to payments, many Australians are still struggling to survive below the poverty line.

(Click on the audio tab above to hear the full interview)