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Notice of changes to Social Security Act welfare programmes and/or Ministerial directions

We publish notices of changes, and the document setting out the changes, to make sure changes to legislation are open, transparent and publicly available.

Consolidated versions of welfare programmes and Ministerial directions are available on Map.

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1 March 2024

This instrument, which comes into force on 1 April 2024, amends the Employment and Work Readiness Assistance Programme.

29 February 2024

As part of the 2024 AGA, this instrument increases rates and income limits under two Ministerial Directions and nine Welfare Programmes.

23 February 2024

The instrument amends the Ministerial Direction on Application of Reviews of Continued Eligibility for Social Housing given on 18 October 2018 under section 102(3)(b) of the Public and Community Housing Management Act 1992.

25 September 2023

These amendments give effect to the Temporary Accommodation Assistance (Severe Weather Events) Programme by amending the Temporary Accommodation Assistance (North Island Weather Events) Programme.

31 August 2023

The Direction in relation to Special Benefit (Temporary Accommodation Assistance) Amendment 2023 is made under section 7 of the Social Security Act 2018 and amends the Ministerial Direction in relation to Special Benefit as established and made on 12 February 1999.

30 August 2023

This instrument, which comes into force on 5 February 2024, amends the Flexi-wage Employment Assistance Programme established and approved on 9 February 2021 under section 101 of the Social Security Act 2018.

22 August 2023

This instrument comes into force on 22 August 2023 and amends one Ministerial Direction and a number of Welfare Programmes.

21 August 2023

This instrument, which comes into force on 22 August 2023, amends the Ministerial Direction on Application of Reviews of Continued Eligibility for Social Housing, the Ministerial Direction on Continued Eligibility for Social Housing, and the Ministerial Direction on Eligibility for Social Housing.

4 August 2023

This instrument is the Instrument amending Welfare Programmes (No 2) 2023

1 August 2023

This instrument amends the Apprenticeship Boost Initiative Programme and extends the programme’s expiry date to 31 December 2024.

31 July 2023

The instrument amends the eligibility criteria to allow those aged 16 years and older (provided they meet the relevant eligibility criteria) to receive assistance under the Training Incentive Allowance Programme.

19 June 2023

This instrument comes into force on 1 July 2023 and amends the Direction in relation to Special Benefit. The amendment adds to the definition of “Allowable Costs” formula assessment of child support liability under the Child Support Act 1991 and clarifies that any other child support liability which is not under a formula assessment is not an allowable cost for the purpose of Special Benefit.

1 June 2023

This instrument amends the Flexi-wage Employment Assistance Programme (established and approved on 9 February 2021).

23 May 2023

This instrument, which comes into force on 29 June 2023, amends the Christchurch Mosques Attack Welfare Programme (principal programme) established and approved on 27 May 2019 and made under the Social Security Act 2018. The amendment extends the expiry date of the principal programme to 30 June 2024.

1 April 2023

This instrument amends the directions and welfare programmes specified in Schedules 1 and 2 (the principal directions and welfare programmes). It comes into force on 1 April 2023.