Introduction

The social security agreement between the governments of New Zealand and the Republic of Ireland allows former residents of one country access to certain benefits and pensions under the other country's social security system.

Under the agreement:

• contributions to the Irish insurance scheme can be regarded as residence in New Zealand to meet the residence qualifications for some New Zealand benefits and pensions
• residence in New Zealand can be regarded as periods of contributions to the Irish insurance scheme to meet the residence qualifications for some Irish benefits and pensions
• some Irish benefits and pensions can be paid in New Zealand
• some New Zealand benefits and pensions can be paid in Ireland
• War pensions from either country are not included in the agreement

Note on 15 July 2013 new provisions provided for consolidation of benefits, with new benefit names and an increased focus on work expectations for some categories. These changes had some impacts on the Agreement with Ireland.