Client dies - ongoing assistance for surviving partner
Partner with dependent children
When a client dies and the surviving partner has a youngest dependent child aged under 14 years, the partner may be able to get Sole Parent Support.
For more information see:
If the partner has a dependent child aged 14 years or over they may be able to receive Jobseeker Support Student Hardship with an exemption from their work obligations to allow them time to adjust to their new circumstances.
Note no initial stand-down is imposed when a partner applies for Sole Parent Support within 28 days of the client's death. When the partner delays their application outside 28 days, an initial stand-down will be imposed.
Partner with no dependent children
When there are no dependent children, the surviving partner must test their entitlement to an appropriate benefit, in their own right.
The surviving partner may be granted a new benefit (instead of terminal benefit) from the day after their partner's death if it is to their financial advantage.
For more information see:
Delay in granting ACC payments
When the death was the result of an accident, the surviving partner may be able to get weekly compensation payments from ACC.
If it is likely there will be a delay in deciding their claim, the partner can apply for a benefit they may qualify for in the interim.
The client must acknowledge, in writing, that benefit payments made will be refunded once weekly compensation payments are granted.
