Clients from overseas
If the client was born in another country or has lived and worked overseas this needs to be recorded on CMS. International Services will follow up any entitlement to an overseas pension once the details are recorded in CMS.
Cook Island, Niue and Tokelau clients
Clients born in the Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau are automatically New Zealand citizens (by birth). Generally they will travel to New Zealand on a New Zealand passport.
However, they must still have lived continuously in New Zealand for 2 years at any one before they can receive the Supported Living Payment.
Other residents of the Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau will be required to produce a proof of residence document and meet the 2 years continuous residence requirement in New Zealand.
Australian clients
Australian citizens are lawfully allowed in New Zealand as they are deemed to hold a residence class visa. However, they must still meet the 2 years residence qualification to qualify for Supported Living Payment.
If a client does not meet the residence requirements for Supported Living Payment, they may be able to receive an Emergency Benefit.
British clients
Clients of British nationality who arrived in New Zealand prior to 2 April 1974 were allowed residence in New Zealand without a visa or permit. However, they must still meet the residence requirement for Supported Living Payment.
