Return to New Zealand

When a client is getting a New Zealand benefit or pension in the Republic of Ireland and returns to New Zealand for a temporary period, payment of the New Zealand benefit or pension will continue to be paid at the same rate as when they were living in Ireland.

This is because the client will not be considered as ordinarily resident in New Zealand.

Clients getting a New Zealand benefit or pension who have temporarily left Ireland must still respond to the Mandatory Review before their review date.

Temporary absence from Ireland (e.g. personal travel) does not pause or defer the Mandatory Review.

Clients must contact MSD before their review date to talk about their situation if they are unable to respond to their review or if they need more time to do it.

There is no Mandatory Review for a New Zealand benefit or pension in Ireland when a client is temporarily in New Zealand and they:

• have been hospitalised for more than 13 weeks in New Zealand or
• are in residential disability care or rest home care in New Zealand

The clients must let MSD know before their review date to discuss their circumstances.

If the client notifies MSD they are in one of these situations, the client is not required to respond to the Mandatory Review, and the review date is reset to 52 weeks in the future from their current review date. However, MSD may still review a New Zealand benefit or pension in Ireland at any time to check if the client still meets the qualifications and is getting the correct rate of payment.

When a client is getting a New Zealand benefit or pension in Ireland and returns to live permanently in New Zealand, their benefit or pension can be reviewed from the date of return to New Zealand.

International Services must be advised as they are responsible for stopping payment made under the social security agreement.

For more information contact International Services.