Absence from New Zealand

Clients can be absent from New Zealand and keep getting Accommodation Supplement for the first 28 days of any absence if it does not affect the client's qualification for Accommodation Supplement.

MSD will need to check if the client's accommodation costs are continuing.

Generally, a client can keep getting their Accommodation Supplement while the client is absent from New Zealand if the client is still getting a main benefit.

All clients getting a main benefit must tell MSD before they leave New Zealand. If the client or partner does not tell MSD before they travel overseas, their main benefit payments (including Accommodation Supplement) must stop.

To get Accommodation Supplement while they are absent from New Zealand the client must have ongoing accommodation costs.

Clients who are getting Accommodation Supplement and are not getting a main benefit:

• are required to advise MSD when they are leaving New Zealand and
• can be absent from New Zealand and paid their Accommodation Supplement for up to 28 days per absence when it does not affect the client's eligibility for Accommodation Supplement

Note when assessing the period of absence, do not include:

• the date of departure from New Zealand and
• the date of return to New Zealand

Clients getting Accommodation Supplement who have temporarily left New Zealand must still respond to the Mandatory Review before their review date.

Temporary absence from New Zealand (e.g. personal travel) does not pause or defer the Mandatory Review.

Clients must contact MSD before their review date to talk about their situation if they are unable to respond to the review or if they need more time to do it.