11786 (2026). Hon Kieran McAnulty to the Associate Minister of Housing

11786 (2026). Hon Kieran McAnulty to the Associate Minister of Housing: 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?

Hon Tama Potaka: 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).