Partner meeting their work preparation activities
A client who is a partner of someone receiving Jobseeker Support can continue to be paid a benefit while they are absent from New Zealand for any reason:
- when they are meeting their work preparation obligations by attending and participating in employment related training and
- the travel will not prevent them from continuing to meet these work obligations (eg during a semester or term break)
Examples (but are not limited to)
Client situation | Outcome |
Partner receiving Jobseeker Support with work preparation obligations who has been required to undertake an approved training course. During their term break from the course they are going to Australia to visit family. | The client is already meeting their work preparation obligations and therefore can be absent from New Zealand and continue to be paid their benefit for up to 28 days in any 52 week period. |
Partner is receiving Jobseeker Support who is in part-time study who wishes to go on holiday during the term break to visit family in Australia. | The partner is already meeting their work preparation obligations and therefore can be absent from New Zealand and continue to be paid their benefit for up to 28 days in any 52 week period. |
Legislation
- General rule: benefit not payable while beneficiary absent from New Zealand section 219 Social Security Act 2018
- Exception to general rule: benefit subject to obligations rule regulation 144 Social Security Regulations 2018
- Criteria for discretionary payment of certain benefits in respect of absences of up to 4 weeks in 52-week period regulation 145 Social Security Regulations 2018
- Absences that do not prevent beneficiary meeting obligations regulation 147 Social Security Regulations 2018
