Changes and reviews for New Zealand benefits in Australia

Clients have an obligation to advise Services Australia - International Services and MSD when there is any change in their circumstances that may affect their entitlement to the New Zealand benefit or pension or the rate payable such as:

• Admission to hospital or prison
• Change in income
• Change in relationship status
• Child turns 18
• Death in Australia
• Move to another country
• Overpayments
• Recovery of New Zealand debt from Australian pension
• Return to New Zealand
• Reviews and Appeals
• Exchange of Information

MSD may also review a New Zealand benefit or pension in Australia at any time to check if the client still meets the qualifications and is getting the correct rate of payment.

International Services is responsible for reviews of New Zealand benefits and pensions paid in Australia.

Clients getting New Zealand Supported Living Payment (for the severely disabled) will need to complete a Confirming your Circumstances form every 52 weeks and may be required to undergo medical examinations for review purposes.

When MSD matches a client's information with information from Australia, MSD must send a written notice of adverse action to the client.

A notice of adverse action is only required upon receipt of the first information match.