Pursuant to section 101 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 April 2021, is the Abatement Threshold 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 the changes to Income Test 1, Income Test 2, Income Test 3 and Income Test 4. Transitional assistance under the programme is available for a reduction of childcare assistance or temporary additional support, or both, or of special assistance under the Christchurch Mosques Attack Welfare Programme, if the reason for that reduction is or includes the effect of an amendment to social security legislation in the package.

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 8th day of March 2021.

Hon CARMEL SEPULONI, Minister for Social Development and Employment.