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Have there been any changes since 1 November 2023 to eligibility criteria, or assessment and decision-making processes, in relation to applications for the Emergency Maintenance Allowance; if so, what were they and when did they come into effect?

Answered Question 16460 (2026)
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Asked by

Willow-Jean Prime

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • Have there been any changes since 1 November 2023 to eligibility criteria, or assessment and decision-making processes, in relation to applications for the Emergency Maintenance Allowance; if so, what were they and when did they come into effect?

Answered by

Hon Louise Upston

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

Answer

I am advised that as of 2 March 2026, it became a requirement that the Ministry of Social Development must review a beneficiary’s eligibility and rate of a specified benefit at least once every 52 weeks (mandatory reviews).