This act aims to help you and others when you need financial support. It’s there to assist you if you’re not working, looking for work, or can’t work due to illness, injury, disability, or caring responsibilities. The act also provides help if you’re facing hardship.
When you ask for support, you’ll need to use your own resources first if you can. The act will also consider any other public financial support you might be getting. It’s not just about money, though. The act also aims to encourage young people to stay in education, training, or employment instead of relying on financial support.
If you receive support under this act, you might have some requirements to meet. These could include administrative tasks, work-related activities, or educational requirements for young people. If you have children and you’re getting certain types of support, you’ll also have responsibilities related to your children’s education and primary health care.
The act is designed to provide a safety net, but it also encourages independence and responsibility. It balances providing help when you need it with expecting you to do what you can to support yourself and your family when possible.
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View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM6783102.
1: Title, or
“This law is called the Social Security Act 2018”
The Parliamentary Counsel Office has made editorial and format changes to this version using the powers under subpart 2 of Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019.
Note 4 at the end of this version provides a list of the amendments included in it.
This Act is administered by the Ministry of Social Development.
