Pursuant to section 102 of the Social Security Act 2018, 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, which comes into force on 1 July 2021, is the Benefit Rate Increase (Transitional Assistance) Programme 2021 and is made under section 101 of the Social Security Act 2018. The programme provides for the grant of temporary financial assistance for a maximum period of 12 months to people who are financially disadvantaged as an unintended consequence of changes made on 1 July 2021 to benefit rates and changes to the calculation of the disability exception amount for temporary additional support purposes.

Transitional assistance under this programme is available for a reduction of temporary additional support or of special assistance under the Christchurch Mosques Attack Welfare Programme, if the reason for that reduction is or includes the effect of the 1 July 2021 changes to benefit rates or to the calculation of the disability exception amount, and no specified matters contributed to that reduction. Payment of transitional assistance under this programme is subject to conditions specified in the programme.

The instrument is a disallowable instrument for the purposes of the Legislation Act 2012 and is administered by the Ministry of Social Development.

Dated this 24th day of May 2021.

Hon CARMEL SEPULONI, Minister for Social Development and Employment.