Rate payable in Canada
When a New Zealand benefit or pension is paid to a client in Canada, the rate of payment is calculated by a specific formula as provided for in Article VII and VIII of the agreement between New Zealand and the Canadian authorities.
The New Zealand benefit or pension is paid without regard to any Canadian pension or other overseas pension being paid.
New Zealand Superannuation and Veterans Pension
The calculation for New Zealand Superannuation and Veterans Pension is different to the calculation for other New Zealand benefits.
There is no provision in New Zealand Superannuation or Veterans Pension to include payment for a grandparented non-qualified partner. The partner can only be paid New Zealand Superannuation or Veterans Pension in Canada if they meet the qualifications in their own right.
The maximum rate payable is the single sharing accommodation rate or the married, civil union, de facto relationship rate depending on the client's circumstances.
Supported Living Payment
When Supported Living Payment (health condition, injury, disability or totally blind) is paid to a married or civil union client in Canada their partner can be included.
Residence in New Zealand
No payment is made to a client who has lived in New Zealand for less than 12 continuous months.
Only periods of actual New Zealand residence are counted. Periods of residence in a country other than New Zealand are disregarded even if the country has a reciprocal agreement with New Zealand.
Period of absence
Any period of absence from New Zealand for up to 26 weeks is regarded as New Zealand residence, as long as the client was considered to be ordinarily resident in New Zealand during the period of absence.
Extra help
Extra help such as family tax credit, Best Start tax credit, Temporary Additional Support, Special Benefit or Disability Allowance cannot be paid in Canada.
For more information contact International Services or see:
