Action on advice of departure
MSD must look at the circumstances of the absence from and subsequent return to New Zealand to decide when to recommence the benefit and when to treat it as a new application.
When a caregiver contacts MSD to advise that they or the child (that Orphan's Benefit or Unsupported Child's Benefit is paid for) intends to travel overseas, MSD should obtain the following information:
- date of departure (flight numbers if possible)
- date of return (flight numbers if possible)
- whether the child is remaining in New Zealand
Benefit payment to continue
If the child (that the Orphan's Benefit or Unsupported Child's Benefit is paid for) remains in New Zealand while the caregiver is overseas, benefit payment can continue as long as they continue to meet the qualifications.
If the caregiver or child has not returned on the agreed date, their benefit will stop from the day after their expected date of return.
Where payment of benefit continues for the first 28 days of absence, and the child intends to be absent for more than 28 days, the benefit will stop from the 29th day of absence.
Benefit payment will not continue
Where payment will not continue for a period of absence, the benefit will stop from the day after departure.
For more information see:
Legislation
- General rule: benefit not payable while beneficiary absent from New Zealand section 219 Social Security Act 2018
- Factors affecting benefits: absence from New Zealand Part 4, subpart 6 Social Security Regulations 2018
