Supported Living Payment living in Canada

Under the agreement with Canada clients can be paid the New Zealand Supported Living Payment (health condition, injury, disability, or totally blind) when they are living in Canada.

When a former New Zealand resident is already living in Canada, they can get Supported Living Payment (health condition, injury, disability, or totally blind) 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 and
• have had at least 12 months continuous residence in New Zealand since age 20 and
• meet the qualifications for Supported Living Payment (health condition, injury, disability, or totally blind) except the ordinarily residence criteria

Clients have an obligation to advise MSD of any changes in their circumstances that may affect their entitlement to Supported Living Payment paid in Canada or the rate payable (e.g. change in income or if they intend to leave Canada to live in another country).

When the client reaches the qualifying age for New Zealand Superannuation or Veteran's Pension, they will no longer be eligible for Supported Living Payment (health condition, injury, disability, or totally blind) and must test their entitlement to New Zealand Superannuation or Veterans Pension.

Clients getting Supported Living Payment in Canada will need to complete a Mandatory Review 52 weeks from when the benefit commenced, and 52 weeks from when the client's last Mandatory Review was completed.

For more information contact International Services.