Notice is given of the making of the following instrument by the Minister for Social Development and Employment.

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 comes into force on 3 June 2024 amends the Guaranteed Childcare Assistance Payment Programme established on 13 August 2012 and made under the Social Security Act 1964 (and saved by Clause 21, Schedule 1 of the Social Security Act 2018). The amendments:

• allow for the Guaranteed Childcare Assistance Payment to be paid for top up payments required by educators for eligible children attending approved early childhood education programmes provided by licensed home-based education and care services that are funded under the 20 Hours Early Childhood Education policy;
• clarify that the Guaranteed Childcare Assistance Payment is not payable for periods where an applicant receiving childcare assistance paid under either the Social Security Act 2018 or another welfare programme for the same period, or for hours covered by 20 Hours Early Childhood Education funding except where top up payments are required by educators; and
• allow temporary Orphan’s Benefit and Unsupported Child’s Benefit caregivers to be able to access the Guaranteed Childcare Assistance Payment where appropriate.

The instrument is secondary legislation for the purposes of the Legislation Act 2019 and is administered by the Ministry of Social Development.

Dated this 26th day of April 2024.

Hon LOUISE UPSTON, Minister for Social Development and Employment.