Refusal to apply
Advise International Services if a client refuses to apply for a Jersey/Guernsey 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 a Jersey/Guernsey pension.
These reasons are:
- it is their right as they have made contributions
- clients must claim any benefit they may be entitled to in Jersey/Guernsey if they are entitled to a New Zealand benefit or pension
- a New Zealand benefit is reduced by the amount a client is entitled to receive from Jersey/Guernsey
- if a client leaves New Zealand for more than 26 weeks their New Zealand Superannuation or Veterans pension may stop, but payment of a Jersey/Guernsey pension continues
- if a client leaves New Zealand for more than 4 weeks their Sole Parent Support may stop but payment of a Jersey/Guernsey pension continues
- 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 a Jersey/Guernsey pension continues
- if a client is single and their New Zealand benefit or pension is reduced to the hospital rate, and the rate of the Jersey/Guernsey pension is more than the hospital rate, the New Zealand benefit or pension will be suspended but the Jersey/Guernsey pension will still be paid
Legislation
- Obligations section 173-176 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
