Contents
Reciprocal Australia : Contents

Reviews and Appeals

If a client is unhappy with any decision regarding their Australian pension being paid in New Zealand they will need to write to Services Australia - International Services. Reviews and appeals must be lodged with Services Australia - International Services within 13 weeks of receiving advice of the original decision. This is because if the review is decided in the client's favour, back payment can only be paid if the request is lodged within this 13 week period.

International Services is responsible for any reviews and appeals in regards to the interpretation of the agreement with Australia and the effect of Australian benefits and pensions on New Zealand benefits and pensions.

The New Zealand review and appeal process applies to any other decision regarding New Zealand benefits or pensions such as charging income or change in relationship status.

For further information contact International Services or see:

Legislation

  • Equality of Treatment Article 4 Social Welfare (Reciprocity with Australia) Order 2017
  • Reviews and appeals section 391-394 Social Security Act 2018
  • Benefits review committees schedule 7 Social Security Act 2018
  • Decision under specified social assistance enactments section 397 Social Security Act 2018
  • Appeal must be begun within 60 working days of notification or further allowed period section 400 Social Security Act 2018
Top

The contact details for International Services are:

From New Zealand 0800 777 227 (free calling within New Zealand only)

From Australia 1800 150 479

From other countries +64 4 978 1180

Email international_services@msd.govt.nz

Postal

International Services
Ministry of Social Development
PO Box 27178
Wellington 6141
New Zealand

Fax 04 918 0159

Note when calling from overseas replace the '+' with the international direct dial prefix for the country you are in.