Absence from New Zealand

Clients receiving Sole Parent Support must be:

• a sole parent caring for a dependent child aged under 14 years

and

• available for and seeking part-time work or
• taking steps to prepare for part-time work

Generally a client receiving Sole Parent Support cannot continue to receive their payment when they temporarily leave New Zealand if they have:

• work obligations
• work preparation obligations and have had work preparation activities assigned

For more information see:

• Client with work or work preparation obligations or an exemption
• Client with work preparation obligations

All clients receiving a main benefit must advise Work and Income before they leave New Zealand. If the client does not advise Work and Income prior to their international travel, their benefit payments will stop from the day after they leave New Zealand.

For more information see:

• Obligation to advise of departure from New Zealand
• Permanent absence

A client not otherwise entitled to be paid their Sole Parent Support may be able to continue to receive their payments for up to 28 days in a 52 week period, while they are absent from New Zealand for:

• Approved travel reasons
• Overseas for medical treatment

Generally, a benefit cannot be paid for more than 28 days in any 52 week period. However there are limited circumstances where a benefit can be paid for more than 28 days in a 52 week period.

For more information see:

• Absent from New Zealand more than 28 days in any 52 week period