Temporary absence

When a client is going overseas temporarily (i.e. they are still ordinarily resident in New Zealand) there are options available to the client depending on how long they will be overseas.

While payment can continue for up to 26 weeks, provided they return to New Zealand within 30 weeks, the client must remain ordinarily resident in New Zealand. In addition, an overpayment will be established if the client:

• leaves New Zealand temporarily e.g. on holiday, but does not return and decides to live overseas permanently
• only returns to New Zealand every 26 weeks to remain qualified for New Zealand Superannuation but is not ordinarily resident in New Zealand or
• decides to remain overseas for longer than 30 weeks

If a client who intends to be overseas for more than 26 weeks stays in a country that:

• has a Reciprocal agreement with New Zealand, they may qualify for a benefit or pension in that country or
• does not have a Reciprocal agreement with New Zealand, they may be able to get part of their New Zealand Superannuation payments

Note grandparented couples will lose their grandparenting if the qualified client is not entitled to payment during any part of their absence.