Direct deductions
In general, when a client is living in New Zealand and receiving a Danish state pension it will be directly deducted from their New Zealand benefit or pension. The amount to deduct is the rate of the benefit or pension after any deduction of tax in Denmark but before the deduction of any New Zealand tax.
The Danish benefit or pension is deducted from:
- the gross rate of New Zealand Superannuation or Veterans Pension and
- the net rate of any other New Zealand benefit, including Accommodation Supplement
When a client is already receiving a New Zealand benefit or pension at the time the Danish pension is granted the deduction will be processed by International Services
Contact International Services with verification of the rate, type of Danish pension, the grant date and the name of the organisation making the payment.
If the client is already receiving a Danish pension at the time a New Zealand benefit or pension is being granted the direct deduction can be added using the SWIFTT process.
If you are unsure whether an overseas pension is deductible or not, contact International Services for advice.
Reviews
International Services must be advised of all clients who are receiving a Danish pension because it is International Services' responsibility to carry out New Zealand benefit or pension reviews required where the Danish pension deduction is being up-dated or reviewed.
Adverse action
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.
Change in circumstances
Any other reviews of the client's New Zealand benefit, such as a change of relationship status or a change of chargeable income, should be completed by the case manager.
For more information see:
- SWIFTT process
- Review date
- Payments from overseas Couples getting overseas pensions
- Taxation
- Exchange of Information
Legislation
- benefit (definition) schedule 2 Social Security Act 2018
- Obligations section 177-180 Social Security Act 2018
- Factors reducing benefits: entitlement to overseas pensions section 187-191 Social Security Act 2018
- Factors affecting benefits regulations 118-136 Social Security Regulations 2018
- Overseas pension deduction subpart 4, part 4 Social Security Regulations 2018
- Direct Deduction Provisions Article 18 Social Welfare (Reciprocity with Denmark) Order 1997
- Requirement to Supply Information Article 21 Social Welfare (Reciprocity with Denmark) Order 1997
