Work and Income has been criticised for turning away a woman seeking help because she came to what it deemed the wrong office.
Photo: RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King
Social Security Appeal Authority said the agency should have allowed the woman to apply for a special needs grant at its Manurewa office a year ago, rather than telling her to go to her local branch in Māngere.
The authority said Work and Income should have investigated whether she was eligible for a food grant, and it has expressed concern the agency failed in its duty to assist those in need.
Auckland Action Against Poverty said Work and Income has a long history of illegally turning people away, and must change its toxic culture.
Ministry of Social Development, which runs the agency, is considering the decision.