Income from overseas

When a young person has been working overseas within the 26 or 52 weeks immediately before their entitlement date you include this in their average weekly income.

If the young person cannot provide verification of their earnings, accept the information provided on their application for benefit. For help to convert foreign currency to the equivalent New Zealand dollars see the instructions below.

There is no ability to take higher living costs into account. If the young person is in financial hardship during an initial stand-down they can apply for a Special Needs Grant.

For more information see:

• Assistance during an Initial stand down and/or benefit application process

When a young person has been receiving an overseas benefit or pension within the 26 or 52 weeks immediately before their entitlement date, you include this in their average weekly wage.

If the overseas benefit or pension payments have stopped and the young person cannot provide verification of their payments, accept the information provided on their application for benefit. There is no requirement to obtain verification through International Services.

Note when the overseas benefit or pension payments are continuing and the young person cannot provide verification, you will need to verify details of these payments. For further assistance contact International Services.

To estimate the foreign currency to the equivalent New Zealand dollars use the exchange rate provided in the SELXT screen in SWIFTT. The young person must be informed that this calculation is not based on the current rate.

To obtain a current exchange rate, contact Westpac bank to request the 'Westpac buys cash' foreign exchange rate. Use the exchange rate as at the date the young person returned to New Zealand.

Consideration must be given to the calculation that is in the young person's favour. The exchange rate accepted by the young person, (the estimated rate from SELXT or current rate from bank) should be noted in CMS.