Action on return to New Zealand
The action to take depends on how long the client was overseas.
26 weeks or less
The absence will not have affected payments.
Between 26 and 30 weeks
Payment for the pay days that fall within the first 26 weeks of absence can be confirmed. In no circumstances should payment continue beyond 26 weeks.
If the qualified client of a grandparented non-qualified couple is absent for more than 26 weeks the grandparented non-qualified partner rate will end. If the qualified client is entitled to payment for the first 26 weeks, the grandparented rate will end from the beginning of the 27th week of absence.
More than 30 weeks
If the client was overseas for 30 weeks or more there is no entitlement from when the client left New Zealand unless the client's return to New Zealand was delayed due to circumstances beyond the client's control that could not have been foreseen before departure.
If the qualified client of a grandparented non-qualified couple is absent for more than 26 weeks the grandparented non-qualified partner rate will end. If the qualified client is unavoidably delayed but entitled to payment for the first 26 weeks of their absence the grandparented rate for their partner will end from the beginning of the 27th week of absence.
For more information see:
Legislation
- When grandparenting ends (absence from New Zealand)e clause 7(2)(c)(i) and (ii), schedule 1AA New Zealand Superannuation and Retirement Income Act 2001
