Going overseas for a short time
What happens to your benefits if you go overseas for a short time?
You may be able to get your usual payments and go overseas for up to 4 weeks if you receive:
- Domestic Purposes Benefit
- Widow's Benefit
- Sickness Benefit
- Orphan's or Unsupported Child's Benefit
- Invalid's Benefit - in some cases you could get this payment for up to 6 weeks.
If you have to travel overseas for a special reason - such as for a job interview - you may also be able to get your usual payments if you receive:
- Unemployment Benefit
- Independent Youth Benefit
- Emergency Benefit.
Otherwise your payments stop the day after you leave.
We work closely with New Zealand Customs, so please remember to talk with us before you leave. 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.
If you have a partner
In some cases your partner may be able to get their usual payments for a short while if they go overseas – but they must meet certain conditions. Please talk with Work and Income if your partner is planning to go overseas.