Ministry of Social Development (MSD)
The Ministry of Social Development works closely with partner agencies and service providers to help people get the support they need. This includes granting financial support for Sight Tests and glasses.
Customers over the age of 16 are assessed by MSD for a hardship grant prior to visiting Specsavers stores. Customers are required to repay this grant to the government through deductions from their social benefit allowances. The contract between Specsavers NZ and MSD has specific guidelines on the Sight Test, frame, lenses and allocated costs/discounts for MSD customers.
Assessment for eligibility:
Assessment for hardship is completed by the local MSD office. The MSD office provides eligible customers with an EFTPOS like card loaded with $280 for optical services.
As part of the agreement with the MSD, there are specific products and services MSD customers can get.
To see what Optometrists can and can’t offer MSD customers, go to the MSD FAQ’s.
Tip for frame selection:
Only one pair of glasses are allowed under the MSD contract, including glasses which are included in an instore special including 241 and sunglasses.
MSD customers are not permitted to ‘top up’ above the $280 limit (like they can with Enable), so the total must be below $280.
For more details about the ‘MSD Requirements’ click below.
How to process the MSD subsidy:
The MSD card is used as payment in our stores. The MSD card can be used like other card payments. The transaction must be processed using the ‘MOSD’ tender type. The customer must also provide their MSD 9 digit client number (which the customer can access via their online account). This number must be inputted in Genesys (in the Membership tab) during registration or when processing the payment.
This assists us to comply with our MSD contractual reporting requirements.
Take a look at the ‘MSD Customer – Genesys Process’ below.
Customer Example:
Let’s look at how to work out the subsidy of a typical MSD customer.
Case Study:
Now it’s your turn. Print the following case study and fill in the responses required. Once completed, check with your Manager or In-Store Trainer to make sure you’ve got the correct answers.
Online Quiz:
Want to check how much you have learnt?
Click below to view Lisa’s MSD experience.
Click below to view and print the case study
Click below to take a short quiz on MSD.
Further MSD information:
If you require action or have feedback in regards to an MSD client transaction, you can contact the region’s MSD Liaison Officer, whose details can be found here.
For urgent assistance, please contact your Liaison Officer by phone.
For non-urgent requests, please email your local Liaison Officer with the details.
When providing feedback, please include the customer’s 9 digit MSD Client number.