Applying for payment

Clients should apply for payment overseas before they leave New Zealand. Only in certain circumstances is a client able to apply for payment from overseas.

Applications for payment overseas are decided by International Services. Clients should be advised to apply 6 weeks before they leave New Zealand. Applications are made at Service Centres on form (WIS7W). The client must be interviewed at a Service Centre and a special interview sheet (WIF9W) completed.

Clients must bring the following documents to their interview to support their application:

• passports
• secondary identification
• air tickets or travel itinerary and
• bank account details (if different from SWIFTT)

It is important that International Services receives a detailed itinerary, where the client can provide one, to support that the client is going to spend time travelling. A detailed itinerary can include details supplied on the application for payment overseas. If the client has an itinerary from their travel agent, please obtain a copy with the application.

If a client's passport shows repeated departures from New Zealand, document all periods of absence and countries visited and the reasons for the repeated absences. Certain absences can be counted as residence in New Zealand when calculating the rate of payment so it is very important that the reason for any absence from New Zealand is provided. If you need help while taking an application please contact International Services.

It is very important that International Services is given accurate information regarding the client residency in New Zealand as this relates to the amount of New Zealand Superannuation or Veterans Pension a client may receive.

The completed application form, interview sheet and supporting documentation must be sent to International Services.

Do not cancel the client record. If you need to stop the client's payments, suspend the record only.