Effect of absence overseas on grandparented couples
Couples getting the grandparented non-qualified partner rate who are both absent from New Zealand at the same time, will keep getting their grandparented rate provided the qualifying partner qualifies to be paid New Zealand Superannuation during the entire period of absence and has returned to New Zealand within 26 weeks.
If the qualifying partner no longer qualifies to be paid New Zealand Superannuation during any part of their absence on or after 9 November 2020, the grandparented non-qualified rate will end and the qualifying partner will not be able to include a non-qualifying partner again.
Overseas absence where both partners are absent
Period of absence | Is Grandparenting retained? |
Absence no more than 26 weeks. | Yes - the qualified partner is entitled for the period of absence. |
Absence is more than 26 weeks but does not exceed 30 weeks. | No - from the 27th week of absence, the qualified partner no longer qualifies and neither does the grandparented non-qualified partner. Grandparenting ends from the 27th week of absence. |
Absence is more than 30 weeks - whether avoidably or unavoidably delayed in returning. | No - they no longer qualify for the grandparented rate from the day after the date of departure from New Zealand if they were avoidably delayed in returning. or They no longer qualify for the grandparented rate from the 27th week of absence if they were unavoidably delayed, but had payment for the first 26 weeks of absence. |
Note the above rules apply if:
- the qualified partner is overseas while the grand-parented non-qualified partner is in New Zealand or
- the couple or qualified partner began a period of temporary absence from New Zealand before 9 November 2020, but are still absent on or after 9 November 2020.
Grand-parented non-qualified partner is absent
Grandparenting is not affected when the grand-parented non-qualified partner is temporarily absent from New Zealand by themselves, as long as the qualified partner in New Zealand still qualifies.
Payments made to the grandparented non-qualified partner during their absence can continue for up to 26 weeks.
If the grandparented non-qualified partner does not qualify for payment for any or all of their absence, this does not affect the grandparented rate when the non-qualified partner's payments are resumed on their return to New Zealand.
For more information see:
- Absences Overseas medical treatment
- Absences Humanitarian work
Legislation
- When grandparenting ends Schedule 1AA, Part 3, clause 7(2)(a)-(d) New Zealand Superannuation Retirement Income Act 2001
- First 26 weeks of certain temporary absences section 22 New Zealand Superannuation Retirement Income Act 2001
