Clients going overseas

When a client is receiving an Australian pension or a New Zealand benefit or pension by virtue of the agreement, the normal absence provisions apply to the New Zealand benefit or pension they are receiving.

If a client in receipt of New Zealand Superannuation, Veterans Pension or Supported Living Payment (health condition, injury, disability or totally blind) intends going to Australia they may be able to receive payment of their New Zealand benefit or pension in Australia depending on how long they intend to go for.

Applications for New Zealand Superannuation, Veterans Pension and Supported Living Payment (health condition, injury, disability or totally blind) in Australia can be made in New Zealand or from Australia although it is preferable that they apply after arrival in Australia, as the New Zealand payment rate will depend on the rate assessed by Services Australia - International Services.

Applications for New Zealand Superannuation and Veterans Pension to be paid in Australia must be made within 26 weeks after arrival in Australia and within 4 weeks of arrival for Supported Living Payment (severely disabled).

If the Supported Living Payment (health condition, injury, disability or totally blind) client intends to stay longer than the allowable 4 weeks, they can take their health practitioner or specialist reports with them to Australia, as this may help avoid any possible delays in their application for the Australian Disability Support Pension (severely disabled).

From 1 July 2017, when a client leaves New Zealand for Australia, their continued entitlement while in Australia will depend on their age and their intention on the date of departure from New Zealand.

If a client intends to live in Australia and wants their New Zealand Superannuation or Veteran's Pension to continue they must apply for the Australian Age Pension within 26 weeks of leaving New Zealand. They will need to contact Services Australia - International Services.

If they already receive an Australian Age Pension they must advise Services Australia - International Services that they have arrived in Australia to live.

New Zealand Superannuation or Veteran's Pension payments will continue for up to 26 weeks when applications were received before 1 July 2017.

Applications we receive on or after 1 July 2017 and if the client has reached the qualifying age for the Australian Age Pension, we will continue to pay New Zealand Superannuation or Veteran's Pension for up to 26 weeks.

If the client has not reached the qualifying age for the Australian Age Pension their New Zealand Superannuation or Veteran's Pension will stop from the day after their departure from New Zealand. They will need to lodge a new application under the 2017 Agreement when they have reached the qualifying age for the Australian Age Pension.

If a client goes to Australia for a holiday or visit but, they don't intend to live there then, their payments can continue for up to 26 weeks provided that they return to New Zealand within 30 weeks. If they don't return within 30 weeks their payments will stop and they may have to pay this amount back.

If a client leaves New Zealand to live in Australia, their Supported Living Payment will continue to be payable for up to 4 weeks after their departure from New Zealand provided that they apply for Supported Living Payment overseas within 4 weeks of that date.

We will back-date Supported Living Payment overseas up-to a maximum of 12 months from the date of the initial application being lodged with Services Australia - International Services.

Contact International Services or see:

• New Zealand Benefits and Pensions in Australia
• Absence from New Zealand in relevant Main benefit