55629 (2024). Hon Carmel Sepuloni to the Minister for Social Development and Employment

55629 (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, Community Costs?

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 that the Ministry of Social Development (the Ministry) the Community Costs payment is paid to clients receiving short term treatment in a short-term residential treatment programmes. If the client is receiving a benefit at the time of receiving treatment, there would be a work or work preparation obligation exemption in place.