Issue 44 – December 2025

On this Page:

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

The Client Advocacy and Review team would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your hard work throughout 2025.  It’s been a busy year! I have attached some recent statistics for your information that so the increase in the number of review of decisions received and the increased number of Benefits Review Committee hearings.

Review of Decisions update - 1 October 2024 to 30 September 2025

ROD Volume and Timeliness

  • 8232 received, a 24% increase up from 6240 received in the previous year.
  • 7657 decisions resolved, up 14% from the previous year.

Outcomes Prior to BRC

  • Of the 7657 resolved cases: 5730 (75%) were resolved prior to BRC:
  • Withdrawn: 43%
  • Upheld: 24%
  • Overturned: 33%

BRC Hearings

  • 1844 hearings conducted a 10% increase compared to the previous year

We hope you keep safe and enjoy the summer break for those of you taking one! Look forward to hearing from you in 2026.

Meri Kirihimete

New Mileage Rate

The new mileage rates have been updated and these are available here, and also via your local BRC Coordinators.

2024 - 2025

There has been an increase for the mileage allowances for travel to and from Benefits Review Committees. The reimbursement rate, which is based on the standard IRD rate, has increased from 01/04/2025.

$1.17 per km - Petrol

$1.26 per km - Diesel

$0.86 per km - Petrol Hybrid

$1.08 per km - Electric

This rate is in line with the Inland Revenue Kilometre rates for 2024-2025

More information around this is detailed under the Payment section of the Benefit Review Committee Panel Members Additional Information Pack.

Amendments to the Information Packs

There has been a refresh look for the Information Packs, with a new updated the front page for the Panel Members Information Pack, and an alignment of  information for Applicant's who wish to proceed to SSAA, in the Report Writers Information Pack, this now mirrors the Panel Members Information Pack.

Complaints about an income support or pension decision

Update to the Legal Advice sheets for regions

The Legal Advice sheets which are issued to Applicant's upon receipt of the Review of Decision application, have been updated and the Ministry has checked addresses, phone numbers and email contacts where these have changed.

Changes in the Review of Decision Space:

Costs associated with attending a SSAA or MAB Hearing -  has been updated:

Costs associated with attending a Social Security Appeal Authority or Medical Appeals Board Hearing

Policy changes and updates

Changes to Work & Income Products and Services can be located under the What’s New page on our Website:

https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/map/index.html

This is a useful place to look also for earlier changes.

Recent Changes:

05/11/25 - Initial stand-down periods

03/11/25 - Board and rent definitions

20/10/25 - Traffic Light System (Report Job Search and Upskilling)

01/10/25 -  Family Boost Tax Credit

03/09/25 - Whiteware assistance - preferred supplier arrangement

22/08/25 - De facto relationships for 16- and 17-year-olds

21/08/25 - Sole Parent Support - Study or training and transferring to Jobseeker Support

06/08/25 - Initial stand-down periods

For changes prior to August please follow the link above.