Plain language law

New Zealand law explained for everyone

Social Security Act 2018

General provisions

4: Principles

You could also call this:

“Main ideas for helping people with jobs and money”

This law explains the main ideas that people working with social security should think about. When you’re old enough to work, having a job is seen as the best way for you to have a good life and enough money. If you can work, the most important thing is to find a job and keep it. If you can’t work right now, people should help you get ready for work in the future and learn skills that will help you get a job. If you can’t work at all, you should still get help from the government. These ideas help guide the people who make decisions about social security.

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View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM6783122.

Topics:
Work and jobs > Worker rights
Money and consumer rights > Savings and retirement
Government and voting > Government departments
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3: Purpose of this Act, or

“This law helps people in need by giving money and support”

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5: Guide to this Act, or

“This Act explains how to get help from the government and what you need to do”

Part 1 General provisions

4Principles

  1. Every person performing or exercising a duty, function, or power under this Act must have regard to the following general principles:

  2. work in paid employment offers the best opportunity for people to achieve social and economic well-being:
    1. the priority for people of working age should be to find and retain work:
      1. people for whom work may not currently be an appropriate outcome should be assisted to prepare for work in the future and develop employment-focused skills:
        1. people for whom work is not appropriate should be supported in accordance with this Act.

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