New Zealand benefits and pensions

The agreement with Australia sets out additional conditions that a client must meet when they meet all the qualifications for the following New Zealand benefit or pension except for residence:

• Supported Living Payment (health condition, injury disability or totally blind)
• New Zealand Superannuation
• Veteran's Pension

The additional conditions are different for each benefit or pension so it is important that you check the conditions for each benefit or pension carefully.

For more information contact International Services or see:

• Clients from Australia
• New Zealand benefits and pensions in Australia
• Welfare reforms impacts on the Social Security Agreement with Australia

The agreement does not cover the following:

• Emergency Benefit
• Jobseeker Support
• Orphan's Benefit and Unsupported Child's Benefit
• Sole Parent Support
• Supported Living Payment (for care of sick or infirm)
• Young Parent Payment
• Youth Payment

Case managers are responsible for determining eligibility for New Zealand benefits and pensions based on New Zealand legislation and the agreement with Australia in respect of people residing in New Zealand.

The only exception is New Zealand Supported Living Payment (health condition, injury disability or totally blind) when the applicant has not had 2 years continuous residence within New Zealand. These claims must be decided by International Services.