Commencement date

To decide when the Supported Living Payment can start you must first find the entitlement date.

This is usually the date that a person no longer has a means of support.

For a list of these dates see:

• Entitlement Date

Supported Living Payment is subject to an initial stand-down of up to a maximum of 2 weeks after the entitlement date.

Generally the commencement date is:

• the day after the initial stand-down ends or
• the application date

whichever is the later.

However, if a client applies for Supported Living Payment within 28 days of their entitlement date, the commencement date rules are different, see:

• Twenty-eight day rule

There are some situations when an initial stand-down is not imposed. When no stand-down applies, the commencement date of the benefit is:

• the entitlement date or
• the application date

whichever is the later.

For more information see:

• Core policy Application for benefit
• Initial stand-down
• No stand-down applies
• Absence from New Zealand
• Non-entitlement period for 13 weeks

A partner with work obligations can have a longer stand-down before they can get Supported Living Payment.