Pursuant to sections 7 of the Social Security Act 2018, notice is given of the making of the following instrument by the Minister for Social Development.

A copy of the instrument is available for free at: https://www.msd.govt.nz/about-msd-and-our-work/about-msd/legislation/notice-of-change.html.

This instrument, which came into force on 21 June 2019, amends the Ministerial direction in relation to Special Benefit given on 10 February 1999 and made under the Social Security Act 1964 (and saved by Schedule 1 of the Social Security Act 2018).

The amendment exempts specified ex gratia and compensation payments and any income derived from such payments from being counted as chargeable income.

This brings this exemption in the Special Benefit into line with amendments being made to the Social Security Regulations 2018 to widen the scope of the existing ex gratia and compensation exemption.

The instrument is a disallowable instrument for the purposes of the Legislation Act 2012.

The instrument is administered in the Ministry for Social Development.

Dated the 18th day of June 2019.

Hon CARMEL SEPULONI, Minister for Social Development.