39301 (2026). Hon Willow-Jean Prime to the Minister for Social Development and Employment

39301 (2026). Hon Willow-Jean Prime to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: Are Ministry of Social Development case workers or call centre workers required to ask potential Ministry of Social Development clients whether they have access to loans or other credit prior to determining their suitability to receive support from the Ministry?

Hon Louise Upston: Corrected reply: I am advised by the Ministry of Social Development (the Ministry) that an applicant’s access to loans, credit cards, or overdraft facilities is not relevant when determining eligibility for a main benefit. In determining eligibility for hardship assistance, which is usually one-off payments, the Ministry assesses applicants against the eligibility criteria for the relevant type of assistance. Each type of assistance has different eligibility criteria. Generally, this includes considering whether an applicant has any other means of supporting themselves and any dependent family members, meeting income and asset tests, and confirming the applicant has an essential need. It is not the Ministry’s policy to encourage people, particularly young people, to incur unnecessary debt, including through the use of credit cards. There are limited circumstances where the Ministry is required to check a client’s access to credit facilities. For example, during the benefit application/initial stand down periods for some Special Needs Grants.