Client dies - ongoing assistance for surviving partner
Partner with child under 14 years old
When a client dies and the surviving partner has a dependent child under 14 years, the partner may be able to receive Sole Parent Support.
Partner with a child over 14 years old
If the partner has a dependent child 14 years old or over, they may be able to receive Jobseeker Support, with an exemption from their work obligations to allow them time to adjust to their new circumstances.
Note there is no initial stand-down when a partner applies for Sole Parent Support within 28 days of the client's death. When the partner applies 28 days after the death of the client, there will be an initial stand-down.
Partner with no dependent children
When there are no dependent children, the surviving partner must apply for a main benefit, in their own right. The surviving partner may be granted a new main benefit (instead of terminal benefit) from the day after their partner's death if they will get more money.
Delay in granting ACC payments
When the death was the result of an accident, the surviving partner may be able to receive weekly compensation payments from ACC. If there will be a delay in deciding their claim, the partner can apply for a benefit while waiting. The client must acknowledge, in writing, that benefit payments made will be refunded once weekly compensation payments are granted from ACC.
For more information see:
