Partner not permanently or lawfully resident in New Zealand

You can pay a single or sole parent rate to a client whose partner is not a permanent resident or is unlawfully resident in New Zealand; however, you have to take their joint income and assets into account.

There are some exceptions.

For more information see:

• Partner's residence status

Clients who were receiving a married rate of benefit prior to the 8 August 2001 and have a partner/spouse without permanent residence included in their benefit will continue to be paid at the married, civil union or de facto rate until their benefit is cancelled.

To pay the Supported Living Payment at the appropriate single/sole parent rate you need to:

• link the partner and primary through CMS
• do not include the partner in the benefit in SREG
• enter the appropriate rate of payment code in the SDT1A screen
• complete notes in the client event note
• contact the Card Centre on the day that the benefit is granted to stop a Community Services Card being issued to the non-resident partner