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

Copies of the instruments are available for free at: Notice of changes to Social Security Act welfare programmes and/or Ministerial directions - Ministry of Social Development.

These instruments under the Social Security Act 2018, come into force on 31 March 2025.

The Relocate for Work Support Programme is made under section 101(1) of the Social Security Act 2018.

The programme provides for financial assistance to people of working age, receiving a main benefit, who are at risk of long-term benefit receipt and unable to secure suitable and sustainable work in their local area, by assisting them to relocate to take up an offer of suitable and sustainable employment.

The instrument amending the Employment and Work Readiness Assistance Programme is made under section 101(1) of the Social Security Act 2018 and makes the following changes:

• revokes the clauses in 6A(a) of the Schedule that relate to assisting applicants to relocate for employment; and
• reduces the amount available for incentive payments in a 52-week period in clause 6A(a) of the schedule from $5,000 to $3,000; and
• inserts transitional arrangements for applications made for incentive payment applications under clauses 6A(a)(iii) and 6A(a)(iv) of the Schedule before 31 March 2025; and
• makes minor and technical changes to the Schedule.

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

Dated this 24th day of February 2025.

Hon LOUISE UPSTON, Minister for Social Development and Employment.