Absence during initial stand-down

A client who has applied for and been granted Supported Living Payment may leave New Zealand during the initial stand-down period, provided they are not absent for more than 28 days from the entitlement date.

The absence is calculated from the entitlement date, not the date the client leaves New Zealand, or the date the benefit commences.

A client applies for Supported Living Payment on 8 July 2013. At the application interview they advise Work and Income that they have a 5 week holiday planned in Australia and are going to leave New Zealand on 13 July 2004.

• their entitlement date is established as 18 July 2013
• a one week stand-down imposed
• their benefit will commence on 22 July 2013
• the calculation of the 28 days starts from the entitlement date, that is, 18 July 2013

If they do not return to New Zealand by 26 August 2013 their benefit should be suspended from that date unless they meet the specific criteria to be paid for more than 28 days. They will need to contact Work and Income on their return.

For more information see:

• Absence from New Zealand
• Entitlement date
• Commencement date