11343 (2026). Oriini Kaipara to the Minister for Social Development and Employment

Written Question

Published date: 10 Apr 2026

Metadata

Document type:	Written Question
Parliament number:	54
Question number:	11343 (2026)
Question asked:	24 Mar 2026
Member asking:	Oriini Kaipara
Portfolio:	Minister for Social Development and Employment
Minister replying:	Hon Louise Upston
Answer received:	06 Apr 2026
Status:	Question Answered
Reply type:	Reply
Document ID:	WQ_11343_2026
Document guid:	c599d715-7b77-4739-b29d-280460078251

11343 (2026). Oriini Kaipara to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: What guidance, criteria, or operational instructions govern the approval or decline of benefit advances for essential items such as electricity, clothing, and car repairs?

Hon Louise Upston: 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