How many people, if any, have had an accommodation supplement cut as a result of any mandatory reviews that have occurred since the commencement of the Social Security (Mandatory Reviews) Amendment Act 2025, or any consequent legislation?

Answer

As part of Budget 2025, the Social Security (Mandatory Reviews) Amendment Act 2026 introduced annual mandatory reviews for a range of benefits and supplementary assistance payments. Under the Act, if a client does not meet their review requirements, some supplementary payments, such as Disability Allowance and Accommodation Supplement, may be suspended. I am advised that the Ministry of Social Development (the Ministry) is unable to provide the information sought by the Member within a written parliamentary question timeframe as it would take substantial effort and require the Ministry to divert personnel from their core duties. In accordance with Speaker’s Ruling 210/6, I consider that the time, and hence the expense, of answering these questions within this timeframe is not in the public interest.