Client or partner remains in New Zealand

Qualification for Jobseeker Support may be affected for a married, civil union or de facto couple when one of them remains in New Zealand. This will depend on whether:

• it is the primary client or their partner who remains in New Zealand and
• payment has been approved to continue if it is the primary client overseas

If the primary client remains in New Zealand, they will continue to receive the half married, civil union or de facto rate of Jobseeker Support. If the partner is receiving any income while overseas this must be charged against the benefit.

Note you must continue to treat the couple as married or in a civil union unless they are living apart with the intention of ending their marriage or civil union.

If the partner remains in New Zealand, they can continue to receive the half married, civil union or de facto rate of Jobseeker Support as long as payment to the primary client has been approved and is continuing to be paid while they are overseas for up to 28 days.

If payment will not continue to the primary client, or has been stopped, the partner will no longer qualify to receive any payment. You will need to determine if the partner qualifies for another benefit in their own right, or they may be able to receive an Emergency Benefit.

For more information see:

• Emergency Benefits

Note the partner can only receive the half married, civil union or de facto rate of Jobseeker Support while the client is overseas, unless the couple are living apart with the intention of ending their marriage or civil union. If the primary client is receiving any income while overseas this must be charged against the benefit.

However, there are some situations that allow Jobseeker Support client to be absent from New Zealand and continue to receive payment for a period of absence.

For more information see:

• Approved travel reasons
• Overseas medical treatment