Action on return to New Zealand

MSD must look at the circumstances of the client's absence from and subsequent return to New Zealand to decide when to recommence their benefit and when to treat it as a new application.

Consider the following:

• the client's intention at the time of their departure for example, did they cancel their benefit before leaving New Zealand because they did not intend to return
• did the client remain ordinarily resident during the period of absence?
• the length of time that they have been absent
• the reason for the absence
• have their circumstances changed significantly during their absence?
• is the client eligible to have their benefit backdated to the day after their departure date or date of return?

If a client returns to New Zealand on or before the 29th day (where continued payment of benefit was allowed) their benefit can recommence without any break in payment.

Generally, for other short periods of absence (where continued payment was not approved and the benefit was not paid while the client was absent) the benefit payments, if they are eligible, can recommence from:

• the date the client returned to New Zealand as long as they contact MSD within 14 days of their return or
• the date they contacted MSD to advise they have returned if more than 14 days after date of return