Partner not qualified

MSD can pay a special rate equal to half the couple's rate of Emergency Benefit to a client (with or without dependent children) if their partner is:

• subject to a 13-week voluntary unemployment stand-down or
• on strike or
• subject to a work obligations failure or
• not qualified because they did not meet the Parental Assistance Test

MSD generally pays a single or sole parent rate to a client whose partner is unlawfully resident or not ordinarily resident in New Zealand, but must take their joint income and assets into account.

There are some exceptions. For more information see:

• Core policy Partner's residence status.