Notice is given of the use of an automated electronic system approved by the Ministry of Social Development.

Use of an automated electronic system for the purpose of administering some aspects of mandatory benefit reviews under the Social Security Act 2018 as prescribed in the Social Security (Modernisation) Amendment Act 2026.

To reduce the burden on staff required to review certain clients’ eligibility for and rate of specified benefit at least once every 52 weeks and maximise efficiencies, the Ministry of Social Development will use automated decision-making to review Orphan’s Benefit and Unsupported Child’s Benefit in line with the new requirements for mandatory reviews set out in the Social Security Act 2018.

Automated decision-making will be used in mandatory reviews of Orphan’s Benefit and Unsupported Child’s Benefit to:

• identify the clients who meet the prescribed circumstances for an exception from the requirement to do a mandatory review and apply the exception;
• continue a client’s benefit and set the future review due date when the mandatory review is completed online, and the client confirms they have had no change in circumstances;
• suspend the client’s benefit(s) (where applicable) when they do not respond before the mandatory review due date or relevant deadline.

Dated this 1st day of July 2026.

DEBBIE POWER, Chief Executive of the Ministry of Social Development and Employment.