Clients aged 65 years or over

When clients aged 65 years or over do not qualify for New Zealand Superannuation there are usually a range of reasons that they are unable to earn a sufficient livelihood, such as disability, language or skill barriers as well as their age.

In some circumstances, Emergency Benefit may be considered for a client aged 65 years or over.

Note before considering Emergency Benefit, all other main benefits must be considered.

If a client is not available for or seeking full-time employment, they do not qualify for Jobseeker Support. If the client does not qualify for another benefit such as Sole Parent Support or Supported Living Payment, MSD should consider their eligibility for Emergency Benefit. The client will need to meet all of the qualifications for Emergency Benefit including the hardship test.

For more information see:

• Granting Emergency Benefit on grounds of hardship (65 years or older)

Where a client has confirmed that they are willing and available for full-time work but the likelihood of them gaining employment is low, MSD may make a decision through the 26 week reapplication process to grant Emergency Benefit in substitution for Jobseeker Support.

For more information see:

• Jobseeker Support Reapplication process for clients aged 65 or older

If the client has a partner, the partner should also be assessed to see if they meet the qualifications for a benefit. If the partner qualifies for a benefit, this should be granted before Emergency Benefit is considered for the client.

Note that Emergency Benefit may still be considered for the client if the benefit their partner qualifies for is Supported Living Payment on the ground of caring. This is because the client cannot be included in that benefit, there is no couple rate of payment.