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Reciprocal Canada : Contents

Sole Parent Support for widows or widowers living in Canada

Under the agreement with Canada a widow or widower can be paid the New Zealand Sole Parent Support when they are living in Canada.

When a former New Zealand resident is already living in Canada, they can get Sole Parent Support as a widow or widower if they:

  • are ordinarily resident in Canada, and are present either in Canada or New Zealand at the time they apply
  • have the intention of remaining ordinarily resident in Canada for at least 26 weeks
  • have had at least 12 months continuous residence in New Zealand since the age of 20 and
  • meet the qualifications for Sole Parent Support as a widow or widower except the ordinary residence criteria

Applying for a benefit

Sole Parent Support paid to a widow or widower in Canada is still income tested and the client will need to provide details of any income they get in Canada or New Zealand when they apply for the benefit.

Change in circumstances

Clients have an obligation to advise MSD of any changes in their circumstances that may affect their entitlement to Sole Parent Support paid to widows and widowers in Canada or the rate payable (e.g., a change in income or if they intend to leave Canada to live in another country).

Ending of Sole Parent Support when youngest child turns 14 years old

A client's Sole Parent Support will cease to be payable once the last dependent child turns 14. Clients cannot transfer to Jobseeker Support once their child has turned 14 as Jobseeker Support is not included as a benefit payable under the Agreement with Canada.

If a client is still getting Sole Parent Support at the time they reach the qualifying age for New Zealand Superannuation or Veterans Pension they will no longer be eligible for Sole Parent Support as a widow or widower and must test their entitlement to New Zealand Superannuation or Veterans Pension.

For more information see:

Legislation

  • article V(1) and (2) Social Welfare (Reciprocity with Canada) Order 1996
  • What is sole parent requirement section 30 Social Security Act 2018
  • Sole parent support: requirements section 29 Social Security Act 2018
  • Residential requirement section 16 Social Security Act 2018
  • Expiry of sole parent support, and replacement with jobseeker support, when youngest dependent child turns 14 years old section 33 Social Security Act 2018
  • Client reaching age 65 article V(5) Social Welfare (Reciprocity with Canada) Order 1996
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