Two years residence

A client must have lived continuously in New Zealand for two years at any one time since becoming a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident to qualify for Youth Payment.

Note the two year period of residence must be two years continuous residence without absence from New Zealand. There are some circumstances however when a client can be absent from New Zealand during this time.

For more information see:

• Working overseas and paying New Zealand tax on earnings

If the client is not a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident they cannot receive Youth Payment, whether or not they have two years continuous residence in New Zealand. They may be eligible for an Emergency Benefit.

If the client is a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident and does not meet the two year continuous residence requirement they may be able to receive Youth Payment on grounds of hardship. See:

• Granting on grounds of hardship

For more information about residence see:

• Proof of residence
• Permanent residence
• Refugees and protected persons
• Resident in New Zealand
• Calculating the period of residence
• Unlawful residence
• Reciprocal Agreements