Refusal to apply

Advise International Services if a client refuses to apply for an Irish benefit or pension. International Services will contact the client to explain the reasons why they must apply.

International Services will suspend the New Zealand benefit or pension if the client does not respond to requests to apply for an Irish benefit or pension.

International Services will talk to clients about the reasons they must apply, including:

• clients must claim any benefit they may be entitled to from the Republic of Ireland if they are entitled to a New Zealand benefit or pension
• it is their right as they have made contributions
• a New Zealand benefit is reduced by the amount a client is entitled to receive from Ireland
• if a client leaves New Zealand for more than 26 weeks their New Zealand Superannuation or Veterans Pension may stop, but payment of an Irish benefit or pension may continue
• if a client leaves New Zealand for more than 4 weeks their Sole Parent Support may stop but payment of an Irish benefit or pension may continue
• if a client leaves New Zealand for more than 6 weeks their Supported Living Payment (health condition, injury, disability or totally blind) may stop but payment of an Irish benefit or pension may continue
• if a client is single and their New Zealand benefit or pension is reduced to the hospital rate, and the rate of Irish benefit or pension is more than the hospital rate, the New Zealand benefit or pension will be suspended but the Irish benefit or pension will still be paid