Extra help and overseas pensions 

When a client is applying for Accommodation Supplement, how their overseas pension affects it depends on other assistance the client is getting.

The overseas pension is treated differently depending on whether the client applying for Accommodation Supplement is:

• getting New Zealand Superannuation, Veteran’s Pension, or a main benefit

or

• not getting New Zealand Superannuation, Veteran’s Pension, or a main benefit

When a client is getting an overseas pension that is more than the New Zealand Superannuation, Veteran’s Pension, or main benefit rate, the excess amount above the rate is directly deducted from any:

• Accommodation Supplement and
• other benefits they are getting

MSD will calculate the amount of New Zealand Superannuation, Veteran’s Pension or main benefit the client is entitled to get and the rate of Accommodation Supplement payable with their benefit or pension.

When deducting an overseas pension, MSD must first calculate the total New Zealand benefit amount the client is entitled to (including Accommodation Supplement). For example, New Zealand Superannuation plus Accommodation Supplement.

The overseas pension is then deducted from the total amount of Accommodation Supplement plus New Zealand Superannuation, Veteran’s Pension, or main benefit.

The balance left is the actual rate of Accommodation Supplement payable.

When a client is getting an overseas pension and they are not getting New Zealand Superannuation, Veteran’s Pension, or a main benefit their overseas pension is directly deducted from any Accommodation Supplement they may get.

MSD will calculate the rate of Accommodation Supplement payable alongside the client’s overseas pension.

The overseas pension is deducted from the Accommodation Supplement, and the balance left is the actual rate of Accommodation Supplement payable.

For more information see:

• Accommodation Supplement - examples

If a client is entitled to get or is getting an overseas pension the overseas pension should be directly deducted from the client’s Winter Energy Payment.

There are certain circumstances when an overseas pension should not be directly deducted from a client’s Winter Energy Payment.

Their overseas pension must not be directly deducted from their Winter Energy Payment if:

• the client is entitled to get, or is getting, Winter Energy Payment because they qualify for New Zealand Superannuation or Veteran’s Pension.

and

• the client is entitled to get, or is getting, the overseas pension in respect of their partner or dependant

or

• the client’s partner or dependant is entitled to get, or is getting, the overseas pension

Note if the client’s New Zealand Superannuation or Veteran’s Pension is not payable because of an overseas pension deduction, the Winter Energy Payment will not be payable to them.