Absence from New Zealand

Clients receiving Youth Payment must either be:

• single or
• married, in a civil union or in a de facto relationship and not be married to or in a civil union or in a de facto relationship with a specified beneficiary

and

• undertaking youth activity obligations

Clients receiving Youth Payment cannot generally be absent from New Zealand and continue to receive payment of their benefit. The Government's obligation to pay income support usually stops when the client leaves New Zealand.

For more information see:

• Client with youth activity obligations or an exemption
• Permanent absence

All clients receiving a main benefit must advise Work and Income of any travel plans they may have before they leave New Zealand. If the client or partner does not advise Work and Income prior to their international travel, their benefit payments will stop from the day after they leave New Zealand.

For more information see:

• Obligation to advise of departure from New Zealand

A client not otherwise entitled to be paid their Youth Payment may be able to continue to receive their payments for up to 28 days in a 52 week period, while they are absent from New Zealand for:

• Approved travel reasons
• Overseas for medical treatment

Generally, a benefit cannot be paid for more than 28 days in any 52 week period. However there are limited circumstances where a benefit can be paid for more than 28 days in a 52 week period.

For more information see:

• Absent for more than 28 days in any 52 week period