Partner not qualified

When a client getting Supported Living Payment (health condition, injury, disability) has a partner who is not granted a main benefit in their own right, then income is charged against the total couple rate of Supported Living Payment:

• 30 cents is taken from the couple rate of benefit for each dollar of income that the client (and their partner) earn over $8,320 per year, but not more than $13,000 per year
• 70 cents for every dollar of income that is more than $13,000 per year

MSD can pay half the couple rate of payment (with or without dependent children) to a client if their partner:

• has a 13-week non-entitlement period
• is on strike or
• has an obligations failure

MSD can pay a single or sole parent rate to a client whose partner is unlawfully resident or is not a permanent resident in New Zealand, but MSD has to take the couple's joint income and assets into account. For the exceptions, see:

• Partners residence status

A higher couple rate of Supported Living Payment is payable to a client with dependent children, when their partner is not getting a main benefit as shown in the table below.