Refusal to apply

Advise International Services if a client refuses to apply for an Australian pension. International Services will contact the client to explain the reasons why they must apply.

International Services will suspend the New Zealand benefit or pension if the client does not respond to requests to apply for an Australian pension.

International Services will talk to clients about the reasons why they must apply, including:

• it is their right as they have lived in Australia
• clients must claim any pension they may be entitled to in Australia if they are entitled to a New Zealand benefit or pension
• a New Zealand benefit is reduced by the amount a client is entitled to receive from Australia
• if a client is single and their New Zealand benefit or pension is reduced to the hospital rate, and the rate of Australian pension is more than the hospital rate, the New Zealand benefit or pension will be suspended but the Australian pension will still be paid