Absence from New Zealand

All clients getting an Emergency Benefit must tell MSD before they leave New Zealand.

If the client or partner does not tell MSD before they go overseas, their benefit payments will stop from the day after they leave New Zealand.

If a client tells MSD they will be absent from New Zealand for an approved travel reason, they may be able to keep getting payments for up to 28 days.

MSD has an Approved Information Sharing Agreement with New Zealand Customs Service that identifies clients getting a benefit who have left New Zealand.

Once identified, the clients eligibility to keep getting their benefit payments while they are absent from New Zealand is automatically determined by MSD's systems.

If the client did not tell MSD they were leaving New Zealand their benefit will be suspended immediately from the day after they left New Zealand.

The Integrity Intervention Centre will determine if there has been an overpayment, establish any debt and advise the client.

If a client questions the information match refer them to the Integrity Intervention Centre.

Generally, a client or their partner is not entitled to get Emergency Benefit while they are absent from New Zealand.

However, in limited circumstances, Emergency Benefit can be paid for up to 28 days in a 52 week period when a client (or their partner) is absent from New Zealand.

Clients getting Emergency Benefit 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.