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 December 2022, amends the Special Needs Grants Programme established and approved under section 124(1)(d) of the Social Security Act 1964 and saved by clause 21 of schedule 1 of the Social Security Act 2018 as if it was a special assistance programme under section 101.

It removes the requirement for immediate and essential dental treatment to have arisen from an emergency situation. The maximum grant limit for Special Needs Grants for dental treatment is increased from $300 to $1,000 and eligible applicants can receive more than one Special Needs Grant per 52-week period so long as the total of those grants does not exceed $1,000 unless exceptional circumstances exist. It also updates the definition of Health Agency.

The instrument is secondary legislation for the purposes of the Legislation Act 2019 and is administered by the Ministry of Social Development.

Dated this 19th day of October 2022.

Hon CARMEL SEPULONI, Minister for Social Development and Employment.