Job interviews or follow up on a job prospect
A client can continue to receive payment of their benefit for an absence from New Zealand if it can be confirmed that the travel is to:
- attend a job interview
- follow up a definite job prospect
Benefit payments cannot continue if the client is leaving New Zealand to carry out general job search, that is, to 'have a look' for a job.
You will need to treat each case on its merits and take the following into account:
- does the client have proof of the interview or specific job prospect?
They will need to provide the employer's name and phone number and the date of the interview or meeting with the employer
- is it a realistic job opportunity for the client? That is, does it match the skills and qualifications of the client
- how long are they going for?
Consider what would be a reasonable time period for the client to complete the trip, for example, x number of days to get there, 1 day for the interview, x number of days to return home and frequency of flights to and from the destination
- what arrangements have they made for the continuing care of their children and accommodation while they are absent?
Client chooses to be absent for longer than reasonably necessary
Where a client chooses to be absent for longer than is reasonably necessary to attend the job interview or investigate a potential job prospect, their benefit will not continue to be paid for those extra days.
For more information see:
Legislation
- Permitted reasons for absence regulation 146 Social Security Regulations 2018
