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What specific guidance, if any, has the Ministry of Social Development issued to case workers on how mental health or dependency issues should be taken into account when assessing whether an applicant has unreasonably contributed to their own emergency housing need? and 1 other question

Answered 11786, 11787 (2026)
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Asked by

Kieran McAnulty

List MP · Labour Party

Questions

  • 11786

    What specific guidance, if any, has the Ministry of Social Development issued to case workers on how mental health or dependency issues should be taken into account when assessing whether an applicant has unreasonably contributed to their own emergency housing need?

  • 11787

    What specific guidance, if any, has the Ministry of Social Development issued to case workers on how to assess whether an applicant has "unreasonably caused or contributed to their own immediate emergency housing need", and when was that guidance last updated?

Answered by

Hon Tama Potaka

Member for Hamilton West · National Party · Associate Minister of Housing

Answer

Case managers are supported by new scenario-based guidance issued in January 2026, to assist in determining when and how they may exercise their discretion when assessing eligibility for Emergency Housing. Existing guidance notes that case managers will also take care when considering whether a client was reasonably able to predict or prevent their situation, recognising that this assessment depends on the client’s individual circumstances and capacity. Further information is available here: https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/map/income-support/extra-help/accommodation-supplement/emergency-housing.html. This is also my response to written parliamentary question 11787 (2026).