Going overseas or moving to New Zealand
If you go overseas from New Zealand you may be able to get benefits or pensions from New Zealand, the country you’ve moved to, or both.
If you've moved to New Zealand from overseas you may be able to get benefits or pensions from New Zealand, the countries you've lived in, or both.
Please contact us before you travel
The rules for getting New Zealand benefits or pensions paid in other countries or getting overseas benefits and pensions paid into New Zealand are complex but we're here to help.
We can explain how the rules affect you and help you get your correct entitlement. You may miss out on payments if you don’t let us know before you leave New Zealand. You can’t apply for some payments once you’ve left New Zealand.
You can always contact us. However sometimes it's better to contact our International Services team directly. They specialise in international social security. If you contact us we may refer you to International Services for some questions. The best contact for your situation is explained on the following pages.
Going overseas
You may be able to get part or all of some New Zealand benefits or pensions when you visit or live overseas. You may also be able to get a benefit or pension from the country you go to and/or any other country you've lived in.
If you're involved in an international custody or access dispute, we may be able to help with financial assistance.
Already living overseas
If you already live overseas, you may be entitled to:
- certain New Zealand benefits and pensions if you live in a country that has a social security agreement with New Zealand
- benefits and pensions from the country you’re in, or from other countries you’ve lived in
- most New Zealand war pensions, war allowances and grants.
Moving to New Zealand
New Zealand has social security agreements with some countries that may make it easier for you to get certain benefits or pensions from New Zealand or from those countries.
If you're not from a country we have an agreement with, you usually have to meet our standard rules for getting assistance.
We offer special services to migrants and refugees that can help them settle in New Zealand and find work. Contact us about these services.
If you're involved in an international custody or access dispute, and are struggling financially, we may also be able to help.
Even if you don't think you can get assistance, if you're struggling to support yourself or your family, please contact us. We can often help.
Returning to New Zealand to visit or live
If you return to New Zealand for a short time or on holiday, any payments you're already getting from us don't change.
If you intend to return to New Zealand permanently any payments you already get from us may change. You must contact our International Services team. They specialise in international social security and can make sure that you get your correct entitlement.