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Social Security Act 2018

Obligations - Beneficiaries’ obligations - Specific obligations: social obligations in relation to dependent children

136: Person who fails to comply with obligations in relation to dependent children is subject to sanction

You could also call this:

"If you don't meet your responsibilities for your kids without a good reason, you might face penalties."

Illustration for Social Security Act 2018

You are subject to a sanction if you fail to meet your obligations for your dependent children without a good reason. The Ministry of Social Development must be satisfied that you failed to comply with these obligations, which are outlined in sections 131 to 135 of the Social Security Act 2018. You can face a sanction under sections 236, 236A, 236B, 236E, 236H, 237, or 238. You are not subject to a sanction under section 233(c) if certain conditions apply, as stated in sections 243AAA, 243, or 255.

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View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM6783372.

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Topics:
Family and relationships > Children and parentingMoney and consumer rights > Benefits and financial assistance
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Part 3Obligations
Beneficiaries’ obligations: Specific obligations: social obligations in relation to dependent children

136Person who fails to comply with obligations in relation to dependent children is subject to sanction

  1. A person (P) is subject to a sanction under section 236, 236A, 236B, 236E, 236H, 237, or 238 if MSD is satisfied that P has, without a good and sufficient reason, failed to comply with an obligation in relation to dependent children under sections 131 to 135.

  2. However, P is not subject to a sanction under section 233(c) if imposition of a sanction is precluded by section 243AAA, 243, or 255.

Compare
Notes
  • Section 136(1): amended, on , by section 8(2) of the Social Security Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 25).
  • Section 136(1): amended, on , by section 8(1) of the Social Security Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 25).
  • Section 136(2): amended, on , by section 8(3) of the Social Security Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 25).