Clients getting Canadian pensions

A client is required to provide information regarding the rate of any Canadian pension that they are receiving. If they do not comply their New Zealand benefit or pension can be refused or payment can be suspended.

When a client is receiving payments from Canada you will need to find out the payment details in order to determine if the Canadian pension should be a direct deduction from the clients New Zealand or benefit.

It is important that the information is obtained as quickly as possible to enable the client's New Zealand benefit or pension entitlement to be assessed correctly.

If the client is unable to provide full documentation of the payments they will need to complete an Information Release Authority form.

The form must be sent to International Services for them to obtain and verify the following information:

• rate and frequency of payment in Canadian currency and whether it includes any amount in respect of the client's partner and any dependent children
• reason for the grant, such as age, widowhood, disablement, or war service
• the full name of the organisation or authority that is making the payment
• verification of any amount which is payment based on voluntary contributions

Contact International Services or: