55608 (2024). Hon Carmel Sepuloni to the Minister for Social Development and Employment

55608 (2024). Hon Carmel Sepuloni to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: Are beneficiaries who are placed at red according to the traffic light system still able to access, if at all, the Special Needs Grant?

Hon Louise Upston: The Traffic Light System does not change what assistance is or is not available to people at different sanction levels. These settings remain the same as they were prior to the introduction of the Traffic Light System. I am advised by the Ministry of Social Development (the Ministry) that if it is the first or second time the client has been placed at red within one year, they are not able to access the Special Needs Grant. If this is the third time within one year the client has been placed at red, then they may be able to access the Special Needs Grant in the exercise of discretion.