2. Question No. 2—Social Development and EmploymentANAHILA KANONGATA'A-SUISUIKI (Labour) to the Minister for Social Development and EmploymentQuestion No. 2—Social Development and Employment2. ANAHILA KANONGATA'A-SUISUIKI (Labour) to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: What reports has she seen on the update of hardship grants for dental assistance?Hon CARMEL SEPULONI (Minister for Social Development and Employment): In December 2022 we increased the amount of non-recoverable assistance lower-income New Zealanders can receive from Work and Income for immediate and essential dental treatment from $300 to $1000. In the four months following this change there were 29349 grants for non-recoverable financial help for dental treatment. This is more than double the number of grants in the same period of 2021-22. This change means that over $20.7 million in financial support has been provided to New Zealanders needing dental treatment—an increase of over $16.7 million on the same time last year.Anahila Kanongata'a-Suisuiki: How many people have had to access recoverable assistance for dental treatment?Hon CARMEL SEPULONI: If someone needs treatment that is in excess of $1000 they may be eligible for a recoverable grant from the Ministry of Social Development (MSD). I'm pleased to say that while the number of people who have accessed non-recoverable assistance has doubled the people who have needed recoverable support has fallen by over 1000 people. This means more people are getting help less people are getting into debt and the change is working.Anahila Kanongata'a-Suisuiki: Have there been any changes to the criteria for the grants?Hon CARMEL SEPULONI: Yes. We have widened the criteria for the grant. Now instead of the grant only being available in an emergency treatment it will now be available for essential treatment to help stop minor problems becoming major ones. We have also changed the amount of times you can access the grant throughout the year. Previously you could only receive one dental grant even if it did not reach the $300 limit. Now clients can access the grant multiple times in one year up to the value of $1000 meaning if you have a treatment that costs $400 you still have $600 you can access if another necessary treatment is required.Ricardo Menéndez March: Does she believe anyone should go into any form of debt because they need to access essential healthcare; if so why?Hon CARMEL SEPULONI: It's really important that we provide financial support to people who need it. Those on the lowest incomes struggle to pay for dental care. I'm really proud of the fact that we have lifted that grant which hadn't been increased for many years. When they require more then it is an opportunity for them to be able to get that but pay it back and MSD works with them to make sure that they can afford the payments that they have to make.Anahila Kanongata'a-Suisuiki: Have there been any other changes to hardship support?Hon CARMEL SEPULONI: In Budget 2022 we also announced a lift in the income-limits access to hardship support. This means more low-income people will be able to access hardship assistance including dental grants.Anahila Kanongata'a-Suisuiki: Why was extending this support important?Hon CARMEL SEPULONI: Dental care is something that can be put off by people due to affordability difficulties especially in low-income households. We also know that issues with dental health have a negative impact on people's general health financial health ability to work and quality of life. This is particularly important when it comes to employment. Having bad oral health can decrease someone's confidence and affect their ability to secure long-term sustainable employment.