Orphan's Benefit or Unsupported Child's Benefit suspended before Mandatory Review date

Clients getting Orphan's Benefit or Unsupported Child's Benefit are generally notified about their Mandatory Review, even if their Orphan's Benefit or Unsupported Child's Benefit is suspended, unless it is suspended due to the client being temporarily overseas or in prison.

MSD must not undertake the Mandatory Review unless the client contacts MSD to resume their Orphan's Benefit or Unsupported Child's Benefit.

If the caregiver contacts MSD before their review date to resume their benefit, they may be able to get an extension if they need more time to do their Mandatory Review. MSD can resume the benefit before the Mandatory Review has been responded to.

However, if the caregiver contacts MSD on or after the Mandatory Review date, the review must be completed before MSD can resume the benefit (if they still qualify).

Example

Dennis is getting Unsupported Child's Benefit for Ross, and his Mandatory Review is due on 2 April 2027.

Dennis and Ross left New Zealand to go on holiday on 29 March 2027 and did not tell MSD that they were leaving. His Unsupported Child's Benefit suspended on 30 March 2027.

On 14 April 2027 Dennis contacts MSD and advises that they arrived back in New Zealand on 7 April 2027.

MSD advises Dennis that he will need to respond to the Mandatory Review and confirm his circumstances before MSD can resume the Unsupported Child's Benefit.

On 16 April 2027 Dennis responds to his Mandatory Review and confirms that he has had no change in circumstances.

MSD determines that Dennis continues to qualify for Unsupported Child's Benefit for Ross at the same rate and resumes the Unsupported Child's Benefit from 7 April 2027.

MSD completes Dennis' Mandatory Review on 16 April 2027 and sets the next review date for 52 weeks later (14 April 2028).