Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 section 292

Regulations varying rates of benefit or assistance

Section 292 gives the Minister power to temporarily increase or vary social welfare benefit rates by regulation, subject to certain restrictions.

• The Minister may by regulation temporarily increase or vary any social welfare benefit rates, other than child benefit or working family payment.
• From 28 October 2024 to 31 March 2025, this power was extended to also cover child benefit and working family payment.
• Any such regulation cannot reduce the rate of any benefit below the amount payable when the regulation comes into effect.
• This provides a flexible mechanism to respond to changing circumstances without requiring primary legislation.