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New Zealand law explained for everyone

Social Security Act 2018

Administration - Guide to this Part

296: What this Part does

You could also call this:

“This part explains how benefits work, from applying to getting paid”

This part of the law explains what you’ll find in it. It covers several important topics about social security benefits in New Zealand. Here’s what it includes:

You’ll learn how to apply for a benefit and how the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) looks into your application. It also explains how benefits are given out.

The law talks about how MSD checks if you should still get your benefit or if the amount should change.

You’ll find out when your benefit starts (sometimes after a waiting period), when it stops, and how you might get it again if it ends.

The law explains how you get paid your benefit, what taxes you might need to pay on it, and how MSD can get money back if they’ve paid you too much.

It mentions that computers can make some decisions about benefits automatically.

You’ll learn about how MSD sends you information, what services they offer, and who they prefer to buy things from.

The law covers agreements New Zealand has with other countries about benefits.

Lastly, it talks about what happens if someone breaks the rules, how MSD can get money back, and deals with maintenance payments.

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View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM6783761.

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Part 6 Administration
Guide to this Part

296What this Part does

  1. This Part contains provisions on the following matters:

  2. how to apply for a benefit, how MSD inquires into a claim for a benefit, and the granting of a benefit:
    1. reviews by MSD of a beneficiary’s past or current entitlement to a benefit or rate of benefit:
      1. how a benefit commences (for example, after a stand-down period), ends, and may expire and be regranted:
        1. how a benefit is paid, tax on benefits, and how debts can be recovered (including by way of deductions):
          1. the use of automated electronic systems to make decisions, exercise powers, comply with obligations, and take related actions:
            1. notices and communications, services, and preferred suppliers:
              1. reciprocity agreements with other countries:
                1. prosecutions for offences, debt-recovery proceedings, and maintenance proceedings.

                  Notes
                  • Section 296(da): inserted, on , by section 31 of the Child Support (Pass On) Acts Amendment Act 2023 (2023 No 27).