Introduction

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

Under the agreement:

• periods of contributions to the Netherlands national insurance scheme after attaining the age of 20 years can be regarded as periods of residence in New Zealand in order to meet the residence qualifications for some New Zealand benefits and pensions
• residence in New Zealand can be regarded as residence in the Netherlands in order to meet the residence qualifications for some Netherlands benefits and pensions
• some Netherlands pensions can be paid in New Zealand
• some New Zealand benefits and pensions can be paid in the Netherlands

From 15 July 2013 new provisions provide for consolidation of benefit categories with new benefit names and an increased focus on work expectations for some categories.

These changes have some impacts on the Agreement with the Netherlands.