Pursuant to sections 7 and 101 of the Social Security Act 2018, notice is given of the making of the following instrument by the Minister for Social Development.

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 1 April 2020, amends the Ministerial direction and welfare programmes under section 101 of the Social Security Act 2018. The amendments adjust certain rates, standard costs and limits in relation to the Direction in relation to Special Benefit, the Family Start and Early Start (Childcare Assistance) Programme, the New Employment Transition Grant Programme and the Seasonal Work Assistance Programme. These changes reflect a 1.66% increase in the New Zealand Consumers Price Index from the December 2018 quarter to the December 2019 quarter (calculated using the CPI All Groups excluding cigarettes and other tobacco products). The instrument also amends;

• the definition of ‘chargeable income’ in the Direction in relation to Special Benefit to exempt “the Income Support Package (Transitional Assistance) Programme”;
• the Home Help Programme, to adjust the hourly rate to reflect a 6.78% increase in the adult minimum wage;
• the Special Needs Grant Programme, to adjust the income abatement rate for assistance to Farmers, from $80 to $90, in line with Income Support Package decisions;
• the Special Transfer Allowance Programme 2000 to adjust average regional rents to reflect movements in rentals.

The instrument is a disallowable instrument for the purposes of the Legislation Act 2012.

The instrument is administered in the Ministry for Social Development.

Dated this 24th day of February 2020.

Hon CARMEL SEPULONI, Minister for Social Development.