16518 (2026). Hon Willow-Jean Prime to the Minister for Social Development and Employment

16518 (2026). Hon Willow-Jean Prime to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: Have there been any changes since 1 November 2023 to eligibility criteria, or assessment and decision-making processes, in relation to applications for the Temporary Additional Support; if so, what were they and when did they come into effect?

Hon Louise Upston: I am advised that, from 20 May 2024, the definition of 'basic telephone costs' for Temporary Additional Support was updated to include mobile phone plans, where there is no landline at the person’s home. I am further advised that, from 2 March 2026, the housing contribution received from all boarders (62 percent of the weekly board payment) was included in the assessment of housing subsidies. This applied to Temporary Additional Support in consideration of its provision for housing costs.