Client with work preparation obligations
A client with work preparation obligations may be able to continue to receive their benefit if absent from New Zealand. A decision about whether the benefit can be paid for up to 28 days in any 52 week period will depend on whether activities have been assigned.
Client has work preparation activities assigned
A client receiving Sole Parent Support cannot continue to receive their payment when they temporarily leave New Zealand if they have work preparation obligations and have activities assigned (unless they meet the criteria for approved travel). Where they meet the criteria for approved travel they can continue to receive their payment for a period of up to 28 days in any 52 week period if:
- the benefit would continue to be paid except for them having left New Zealand
- they have notified Work and Income of their intention to temporarily leave New Zealand
Client has no work preparation activities assigned
A client receiving Sole Parent Support who has work preparation obligations but has not had work preparation activities assigned can continue to receive their payment for up to 28 days in any 52 week period when they are absent from New Zealand if:
- the benefit would continue to be paid except for them having left New Zealand
- they have notified Work and Income of their intention to temporarily leave New Zealand
For more information see:
Legislation
- Obligation to notify absence from New Zealand section 114 Social Security Act 2018
- General rule: benefit not payable while beneficiary absent from New Zealand section 219 Social Security Act 2018
- Absences of up to 4 weeks in 52-week period regulation 145-147 Social Security Regulations 2018
- Absences of longer than 4 weeks in 52-week period regulations 148-152 Social Security Regulations 2018
