Chosen method of travel

Before paying Relocate for Work Support for travel, MSD must decide if a client's chosen method of travel is appropriate based on their individual circumstances.

To decide if a method of travel is appropriate, MSD should consider:

• the distance they will be travelling
• the route the client is taking (e.g. whether the travel method is possible)
• if any dependent children are traveling with them, and how old they are
• if the client or any immediate family traveling with them have a health condition or disability
• any other factors that are relevant to the client and their immediate family (if any)

Note MSD may decline a clients Relocate for Work Support application or pay from a travel category with a lower payment rate if it determines the method of travel is not appropriate.

Example 1

Sanjay applies for Relocate for Work Support to move from Dunedin to Christchurch for a job. He meets all other qualifications.

Sanjay is planning to fly to Christchurch as he doesn't have a car and is moving at short notice. There is no affordable alternative transport that would allow him to move himself and his possessions.

MSD is satisfied that he will be using an appropriate method of travel and approves Sanjay's Relocate for Work Support application under the "air or sea travel" category.

Example 2

Bella applies for Relocate for Work Support to move from Motueka to Christchurch for a job.

Bella is planning to fly from Nelson to Christchurch. She also needs a moving van to move her bed, couch, and dresser.

Bella plans to leave her car in Motueka and return later to drive it back to Christchurch as she wants to get settled in first.

MSD determines that Bella doesn't have a good reason to fly, and that driving would be a more appropriate method of travel for her. This is because Bella needs to move her car to Christchurch anyway.

MSD approves Bella's Relocate for Work Support application under the "land travel" category.