Things you need to know
You must tell us before you go overseas, even if it’s for a short time. This will ensure you receive the right amount. If you don’t, you could be overpaid which means you’ll have a debt to pay back, and you could be fined, or even prosecuted.
There are some other things you need to know because they could affect you.
Tell us about changes
It is important you keep us up to date on any changes to your circumstances so that we pay you the right amount. Things you need to tell us about include:
- changes in your or your partner’s personal details, for example your name, address or bank account
- changes in your living situation – for example if you start living alone or with others
- if you or your partner start or stop working
- if you or your partner go to another country
- if you or your partner start getting a social security-based benefit or pension from any country other than New Zealand.
You need to contact us as soon as possible if any of these changes occur.
We check information you give us
We have the right to check the information you give us (with employers and banks for instance). We also compare records with other Government agencies.
Income tax
You don't pay New Zealand tax on the payments you get from us when you live overseas, but you will probably have to pay tax in the country you move to. For more information please contact the tax department of the country you are going to.
Other types of income support
If you live overseas, we can't pay you family tax credit or any of the other forms of extra help like a Disability Allowance or Accommodation Supplement. But you may be able to get other help from the country you move to. You need to ask about this when you get there.
Returning to New Zealand
If you return to New Zealand for a short time or on holiday for less than 26 weeks, your payments from us don't change (they stay the same as you get overseas). You may also be eligible to receive a temporary Community Services Card to help with any medical expenses while in New Zealand. Please call 0800 621 621 for more information on this. If you intend to return here to live permanently, please contact us as soon as possible to find out how this will affect your payments.
Usually your payments will increase to the full rate from the pay-day after your return.
Decisions about payments from other countries
If you move to another country, any decisions about that country's income support are made by the social security organisation of the country you are living in. If you disagree with a decision they make, you need to contact them, not us. Please note that your rights in other countries may be different than what they are in New Zealand.
What you can expect from us
We will:
- listen and give you the right information
- be prompt, efficient and friendly
- explain what you are entitled to
- ensure your privacy
- put things right
- put you in touch with other people who can help you
- offer you information in your own language where we can
- respond to your feedback, concerns and complaints
- be sensitive to your needs.
You have the right to:
- nominate a person to work with us on your behalf
- expect that your information is kept confidential
- make a complaint or ask for a review
- appeal to the Social Security Appeal Authority if you are not happy with the outcome of a review
- see your file in most circumstances
- be treated with courtesy and respect.
In return we ask you to:
- tell us if your situation changes
- let us know straight away if something goes wrong
- provide us with the information we need to help you
- treat our staff with courtesy and respect.
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