Refusal to apply

Advise International Services if a client refuses to apply for a Canadian 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 a Canadian pension.

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

• it is their right as they have made contributions
• clients must claim any benefit they may be entitled to in Canada 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 Canada
• if a client leaves New Zealand for more than 26 weeks their New Zealand Superannuation or Veterans pension may stop, however, payment of a Canadian pension may continue
• if a client leaves New Zealand for more than 4 weeks their Sole Parent Support stops, however, payment of a Canadian pension may continue
• if a client leaves New Zealand for more than 6 weeks their Supported Living Payment stops, however, payment of a Canadian pension may continue
• if a client is single and their New Zealand benefit or pension is reduced to the hospital rate, and the rate of Canadian pension is more than the hospital rate, the New Zealand benefit or pension will be suspended, however, the Canadian pension will still be paid