Paying for more than 28 days - delayed return

Generally, a benefit cannot be paid for more than 28 days in any 52 week period when the client is absent from New Zealand. However there are limited circumstances where a benefit can be paid for more than 28 days in a 52 week period.

To pay a benefit more than 28 days during any 52 week period:

• the client must be continuing to receive their benefit while absent from New Zealand because:
  • they have an approved travel reason or
  • they are not required to have an approved travel reason in order to be paid their benefit while absent from New Zealand
• the client could not return to New Zealand because of new circumstances that:
  • they could not reasonably foresee at the time when they left New Zealand, and
  • that are outside of the client's control

and

• Work and Income is satisfied that the extension of the absence is no longer than is necessary to address the new circumstances

A client who is absent from New Zealand for an approved reason may be prevented from returning by new unforeseen circumstances which could include (but are not limited to):

• travel delays due to unforeseen weather events eg fog, volcano, flooding, earthquakes, terrorism
• travel delays due to transport options being cancelled
• health condition or injury or hospitalisation preventing return

For more information see:

• Overseas for medical treatment
• Absent from New Zealand more than 28 days in any 52 week period
• Client left New Zealand and reason for travel changes