Contents
Warrant to Arrest : Contents

Effect on benefit

Clients and partners have 10 working days to contact Work and Income and provide evidence of resolving the warrant to arrest.

Contact made within 10 day notice period

There will be no effect on the client's benefit and Extra help if they contact Work and Income within the 10 working day notice period and provide evidence that they:

  • have resolved the warrant
  • they have taken reasonable steps to resolve the warrant but have been unable to do so because of reasons outside of their control
  • are not the person to whom the warrant applies

Payment of benefit is not affected if someone is challenging the warrant because they are:

  • not the person to whom the warrant applies or
  • they disagree with the Ministry of Justice information that they have a warrant for their arrest

Note if a challenge is unsuccessful, a debt is not established. The client is given another 10 day notice period to clear their warrant before their benefit is suspended or reduced.

Contact made outside of the 10 day notice period

The effect on a client's or partner's benefit will be determined by their family circumstances if they contact Work and Income outside of the 10 working day notice period.

Winter Energy Payment

If a client has their benefit suspended due to a warrant to arrest, they are generally not eligible to receive Winter Energy Payment as they are not receiving a qualifying benefit. However, for clients with dependent children, 50% of their main benefit is protected therefore, the Winter Energy Payment can continue to be paid.

For more information see:

Legislation

  • Benefit not payable to person who is subject to warrant of arrest section 209 Social Security Act 2018
Top