Changes to the policy settings for emergency housing special needs grants – amendments to the welfare programme and Ministerial Directions - Notice of change 2020
30 March 2020.
The Minister for Social Development has approved amendments to the Special Needs Grants Programme, the Ministerial Direction on Redirection of Benefit Payments and the Direction in relation to Special Benefit.
These changes are effective from 30 March 2020.
The amendments enable changes to the policy settings for emergency housing special needs grants (EH SNGs).
The Special Needs Grants Amendment Programme 2020 allows the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) to:
- extend the duration of EH SNGs in specified circumstances, and
- require an applicant to contribute 25% of their and their partner’s income towards the cost of emergency housing.
The Ministerial Direction on Redirection of Benefit Payments Amendment 2020 creates a presumption that there is good cause to redirect a person’s benefit to ensure they meet their commitments for receiving an EH SNG.
The Direction in relation to Special Benefit Amendment 2020 makes an emergency housing contribution and a transitional housing contribution an allowable cost for calculating special benefit.
