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 amends the Special Needs Grants Programme and the Emergency Housing Grants Programme (the Welfare Programmes), established and approved under section 101 of the Social Security Act 2018, on 18 December 1998 and 26 August 2024 respectively.

Schedule 1 of this instrument comes into force on 26 May 2025.

Schedule 2 of this instrument comes into force on 20 October 2025.

The instrument amends the Welfare Programmes to ensure a person who is subject to a sanction under the Social Security Act 2018 is not able to access hardship assistance. Currently, a person who has their benefit reduced or suspended under sections 236, 237 or 239 is not entitled to, or eligible for, a Special Needs Grant or Emergency Housing Grant.

The Social Security Amendment Act 2025 introduces the ability for MSD to impose a non-financial sanction as an alternative to a reduction in the rate of a person’s main benefit for a first obligation failure. The instrument amends the Welfare Programmes so that a person who is subject to a non-financial sanction is also not entitled to, or eligible for, a Special Needs Grant or Emergency Housing Grant.

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

Dated this 20th day of May 2025.

Hon LOUISE UPSTON, Minister for Social Development and Employment.