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What guidance, criteria, or operational instructions govern the approval or decline of benefit advances for essential items such as electricity, clothing, and car repairs?

Answered Question 11343 (2026)
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Asked by

Oriini Kaipara

Member for Tāmaki Makarau · Te Pāti Māori

Question

  • What guidance, criteria, or operational instructions govern the approval or decline of benefit advances for essential items such as electricity, clothing, and car repairs?

Answered by

Hon Louise Upston

Member for Taupō · National Party · Minister for Social Development and Employment

Answer

the Manuals and Procedures (MAP) as a guide to the Ministry’s policies. This information is publicly available on the Ministry’s website. Information on ‘Advance payment of benefit’ can be found here: https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/map/income-support/extra-help/advance-payment-of-benefit/index.html Information on ‘Special Needs grants’ can be found here: https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/map/income-support/extra-help/special-needs-grant/index.html