55609 (2024). Hon Carmel Sepuloni to the Minister for Social Development and Employment

55609 (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 Disability Allowance?

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) if a client is still receiving a portion of their benefit, they can still access Special Disability Allowance. If a client’s benefit is suspended, access will be dependent on their circumstances. If a client’s benefit is cancelled, they cannot access the allowance.