Clients receiving Danish pensions

A client is required to provide information regarding the rate of any Danish benefit or pension that they, their spouse or partner, or their dependants are receiving. If they do not comply their New Zealand benefit or pension can be refused or payment can be suspended.

When a client, their spouse or partner, or their dependant is receiving payments from Denmark you will need to find out the details of the payment in order to determine the effect it will have on the client's New Zealand benefit or pension.

It is important that the information is obtained as quickly as possible to enable the client's New Zealand benefit or pension entitlement to be assessed correctly.

If the client is unable to provide full documentation of their Danish benefit or pension, International Services may be able to obtain and verify the following information with the Danish pension authorities:

• rate of payment in Danish currency and whether it includes any amount in respect of the client's partner and any dependent children
• reason for the grant, such as age, widowhood, disablement, or war service
• the name of the organisation or authority that is making the payment

When MSD matches a client's information with information from Denmark, MSD must send a written notice of adverse action to the client.

A notice of adverse action is only required upon receipt of the first information match.

For more information contact International Services or see:

• Direct deductions
• Other payments
• Exchange of Information