Effective date of review due to change in relationship

New Zealand Superannuation should be reviewed when the client:

• marries, starts a de facto relationship or enters a civil union
• reconciles with a former partner
• separates
• qualified partner elects to cancel the grandparented non-qualified couple rate
• has a partner who enters long term residential care or
• has a partner who dies

The rate of New Zealand Superannuation should be changed to the couple rate from the first available date if the client has advised the change in circumstances within a reasonable time (generally within 14 days).

You should only establish an overpayment if:

• the client has failed to advise of a change in living situation within 14 days of the event or
• they have deliberately mislead the Ministry of Social Development

Note if the couple getting grandparented non-qualified couple rate of New Zealand Superannuation, separate the grandparenting non-qualified rate is cancelled (and if they then reconcile again, they won't be able to be included again). The non-qualified partner will be able to apply for a main benefit relevant to their circumstances.

The single sharing accommodation rate of New Zealand Superannuation can be paid from the:

• day after their relationship ends or
• day that their partner enters long-term residential care (though there is no change in relationship status)

If the relationship has ended, the partner who does not qualify for New Zealand Superannuation in their own right will need to test their eligibility to other assistance.

When the client meets the definition of living alone, the single living alone rate of New Zealand Superannuation can be paid from the:

• date the client meets the definition of living alone
• day that their partner enters long-term residential care (though there is no change in the relationship status)
• day after the relationship ends
• day after their partner died or
• 2 September 2013

whichever is the later.

If the client was living alone before 2 September 2013 as their partner died and they contacted the Ministry of Social Development within 28 days from the date of death, the client may be able to get the Living Alone Payment from the day after the date of death. The client will need to complete a Living Alone Payment application form.

If the application for Living Alone Payment is received more than 28 days following the partner's death, or no application is received, the client will be paid the single living alone rate from:

• the date the client meets the definition of living alone or
• 2 September 2013

whichever is the later.