The government has announced that it is making changes to ensure all victims of the recent Christchurch terror attacks – including those suffering from mental trauma – can get financial help.
As previously reported, the government had considered broadening the definition of who is eligible for mental trauma funding. Now, steps are being made to make it easier for them to get social welfare benefits, Radio New Zealand reported.
Labour minister and local MP Megan Woods said extra help will also be available to the adult children or siblings of a victim, as well as people who are eligible for the Christchurch Response Visa but have not yet applied. This support would be available in the coming weeks after a change was made to the eligibility criteria, she said.
“There's also a small number of people who were already permanent residents, but they haven't been resident here for two years,” Woods told Morning Report. “Normally to be eligible for MSD payments you've got to have been a resident for more than two years. The full force of income support will be eligible to these people.”
Moreover, the minister told the news programme a waiver would be in place to make sure payments from Victim Support were not taken into account by MSD. This means cash asset tests will be waived to ensure everyone’s eligibility.
Woods said that a range of non-monetary assistance would also be available. This includes driving lessons, financial planning, support around finding a house, English-language lessons and possibly even getting work-ready.
