Client not returned due to an unforeseeable event (within 28 day maximum)
Generally, a client must advise Work and Income if there is a change in their return date. A client may need to change their return date when:
- they cannot return to New Zealand due to an event or new circumstances
- they couldn't have couldn't have reasonably foreseen the event or circumstance when they left New Zealand and
- the event or circumstance is outside of their control
Examples include (but are not limited to)
Client situation | Outcome |
A client receiving Emergency Maintenance Allowance left New Zealand to see a sick family member. While she was in Australia there was severe flooding which meant she could not return to New Zealand on the day she was meant to return. She contacts Work and Income. The client has been paid for 20 days in the previous 52 weeks while she was absent from New Zealand, leaving a balance of eight days. | The client cannot return due to circumstances that were not reasonably foreseeable and they were outside the client's control. Work and Income would extend the client's benefit for a reasonable period for her to be able to return. If the client hadn't informed Work and Income their benefit would have stopped from the day they were meant to return. |
A client receiving Emergency Maintenance Allowance has been overseas for five days to attend his father's funeral. He is delayed in Sydney due to fog. He must remain a further three days. | The client cannot return due to circumstances that were not reasonably foreseeable and they were outside the client's control. Work and Income would extend the client's benefit for a reasonable period for him to be able to return. Also consider whether there is any grounds to pay for more than 28 days in a 52 week period. |
For more information see:
