Clients receiving Australian pensions

When a client advises that they are receiving payments from Australia you will need to find out the type of payment in order to determine if the Australian pension should be a direct deduction from the client's New Zealand benefit or pension.

It is important that the information is obtained as quickly as possible to enable the client's correct entitlement to be assessed. If a client refuses to provide information regarding their Australian pension their New Zealand benefit or pension can be refused or payment suspended.

If the client is unable to provide full documentation of the payments you will need to grant and suspend the New Zealand benefit or pension from application date until written verification is received. The client will need to contact Services Australia on freephone 0800 441 248 to request the written verification.

The written verification must contain the following information:

• the rate and frequency of payment in Australian currency
• the reason for the grant, such as age, disablement, or war service
• the full name of the organisation or authority that is making the payment, such as Services Australia or the Australian Department of Veterans' Affairs

The client is required to provide information regarding the rate of any Australian pension. If they do not or refuse to comply their New Zealand benefit or pension can be refused or payment can be suspended. This will be done by International Services.

For more information contact International Services or see:

• War Pensions
• Direct deductions
• Extra help