Contents
Reciprocal Canada : Contents

Introduction

The social security agreement between the governments of New Zealand and Canada allows former residents of one country access to certain benefits and pensions under the other country's social security system.

Under the agreement:

  • Canadian creditable periods can be regarded as residence in New Zealand in order to meet the residence qualifications for some New Zealand benefits and pensions
  • residence in New Zealand can be regarded as Canadian creditable periods to meet the residence qualifications for some Canadian benefits and pensions
  • Canadian pensions can be paid in New Zealand
  • New Zealand benefits and pensions can be paid in Canada

Benefit consolidation

From 15 July 2013 new provisions provided for consolidation of benefit categories with new benefit names, and an increased focus on work expectations for some categories. These changes had some impacts on the Agreement with Canada.

For more information see:

Legislation

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'New Zealand' means New Zealand only.

It does not include the Cook Islands, Niue or Tokelau.

'Canadian creditable period' means a period of residence or contributions which can be used to acquire the right to a benefit under the legislation of Canada, and includes a period during which a disability pension is payable under the Canada Pension Plan.

Note that Canadian creditable periods accumulated under the Old Age Security Act which coincide with creditable periods accumulated under the Canadian Pension Plan shall only be taken into account ...

'Canada' means the territory governed by the Canadian Government.