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, amends the specified ministerial directions and welfare programmes under section 101 of the Social Security Act 2018 in response to the removal of the “12 month rule” as facilitated by the Social Security (Financial Assistance for Caregivers) Amendment Bill which also comes into force on 1 July 2021. The 12 month rule refers to the requirement that in order for a caregiver to be eligible to receive the orphan’s benefit or the unsupported child’s benefit, they must be likely to be the principal caregiver of the child for at least one year from the date of the application for the payment. This instrument also amends the Direction in relation to Special Benefit to exclude allowances payable as a result of receiving the orphan's benefit or unsupported child’s benefit from being considered “chargeable income”. 

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 1st day of June 2021.

Hon CARMEL SEPULONI, Minister for Social Development and Employment.