Social security agreement with Jersey and Guernsey
Introduction
This brochure is for:
- New Zealanders who have lived, live or are going to live in Jersey or Guernsey
- People from Jersey or Guernsey who have lived, live or are going to live in New Zealand.
The Social Security Agreement
New Zealand and Jersey and Guernsey have a social security agreement. The Agreement covers the following pensions and benefits:
New Zealand
New Zealand Superannuation
Veteran’s Pension
Invalid’s Benefit
Widow’s Benefit
Domestic Purposes Benefit for Widowers
Sickness Benefit
Jersey or Guernsey
Old Age Pension
Widows Benefit
Invalidity Benefit
Jersey Disablement Benefit
Guernsey Industrial Injury Benefit
Guernsey Industrial Disablement Benefit
Death Grants
Sickness Benefit.
The Agreement means that:
- Some New Zealand benefits and pensions can be paid to New Zealanders going to live in Jersey or Guernsey.
- New Zealanders who live in Jersey or Guernsey can use their New Zealand residence to help them meet the periods of insurance for Jersey or Guernsey benefits and pensions.
- When New Zealanders apply for a Jersey or Guernsey benefit or pension, they can apply for a New Zealand benefit or pension as well.
- People from Jersey or Guernsey who live in New Zealand can use their Jersey or Guernsey periods of insurance to meet the residential requirements for benefits or pensions in New Zealand.
- When people from Jersey or Guernsey apply for a New Zealand benefit or pension, they must apply for a Jersey or Guernsey benefit or pension as well.
Note: If you have lived in Jersey, Guernsey or New Zealand for some time, you may qualify for benefits or pensions not covered by the Agreement.
Phrases used
“Ordinarily resident in New Zealand” describes a person who normally lives in New Zealand and intends to continue doing so. As there are a number of factors that prove “ordinarily resident”, Work and Income decides this on a case by case basis.
A partner is your spouse (husband or wife) or a person (of the opposite sex) with whom you have a de facto relationship.
The Jersey Employment and Social Security Department and Guernsey Social Security Authority are the equivalent of Work and Income in New Zealand.
Receiving a benefit or pension in Jersey or Guernsey
If you live in Jersey or Guernsey or intend to, you may qualify for benefits or pensions from both Jersey or Guernsey as well as New Zealand.
Receiving New Zealand benefits or pensions in Jersey or Guernsey
Work and Income uses certain criteria to decide who can receive a New Zealand benefit or pension in Jersey or Guernsey and how much will be paid.
Can I receive New Zealand Superannuation or a Veteran’s Pension?
You may be able to receive either of these in Jersey or Guernsey if:
- you are paid New Zealand Superannuation or a Veteran’s Pension, or you meet the New Zealand criteria (except being ordinarily resident in New Zealand)
- you have been resident and present in New Zealand for more than 10 years since the age of 20 with five years since the age of 50 (your periods of People from Jersey or Guernsey insurance may be used to meet this but you must have lived in New Zealand for at least one year continuously since age 20)
- you are in Jersey, Guernsey or New Zealand when you apply
- you intend to live in Jersey or Guernsey for more than 26 weeks
- you are 65 or over (for New Zealand Superannuation)
- you have the necessary service and disability qualifications (for Veteran’s Pension).
Note: You can receive either New Zealand Superannuation or the Veteran’s Pension, but not both.
The Living Alone Payment
The Living Alone Payment is not paid to people living in Jersey or Guernsey.
Partners
New Zealand Superannuation and Veteran’s Pension paid into Jersey or Guernsey do not include payments for partners who do not meet the criteria for either pension eg they are under 65 or do not meet the residency criteria.
Can I receive an Invalid’s Benefit?
You may be able to receive the Invalid’s Benefit in Jersey or Guernsey if:
- you are paid an Invalid’s Benefit or you meet the New Zealand criteria
- you have been resident and present in New Zealand for more than two years (your periods of People from Jersey or Guernsey insurance may be used for this but you must have lived in New Zealand for at least one year continuously since age 20)
- you are ordinarily resident in New Zealand when you apply
- you intend to live in Jersey or Guernsey
- you are 21 or over
- you are permanently and severely restricted in your capacity to work because of sickness, injury or disability or you are blind.
Can I receive a Widow’s Benefit or Domestic Purposes Benefit for Widowers?
You may be able to receive either of these in Jersey or Guernsey if:
- you are paid a Widow’s Benefit or Domestic Purposes Benefit for Widowers, or you meet the New Zealand criteria (except being ordinarily resident in New Zealand)
- you have been resident and present in New Zealand for more than two years (your periods of People from Jersey or Guernsey insurance may be used for this but you must have lived in New Zealand for at least one year continuously since age 20)
- you intend to live in Jersey or Guernsey
- you are a man whose partner is deceased
- you are the father of one or more dependent children whose mother is deceased (for the Domestic Purposes Benefit for Widowers).
Note: Partners that died in Jersey or Guernsey may be treated as if they have died in New Zealand.
Can I receive extra assistance?
New Zealand supplementary benefits and allowances (Disability Allowance, Accommodation Supplement and Family Tax Credit (formerly Family Support)) are not paid to people living outside New Zealand. They will usually stop the day after you leave New Zealand.
If you are living in Jersey or Guernsey, you may be able to receive extra help. Talk to the Jersey Employment and Social Security Department or Guernsey Social Security Authority about this.
How do I apply for New Zealand benefits or pensions?
You should apply before you leave New Zealand.
Applying from New Zealand
At least four weeks before you are due to leave New Zealand, you should call Work and Income to arrange an interview.
At the interview, you (and your partner) will complete an application form that includes details of your periods of residence in New Zealand. This will help Work and Income work out how much you should be paid.
These are the things you need to take to the interview:
- your passport
- another form of identification (driver licence, or birth certificate, marriage certificate)
- your travel itinerary or tickets
- your New Zealand or overseas bank account details that you want your payments made to (bank book, bank statement or deposit slip)
- any documentation that shows your intent to reside in Jersey or Guernsey eg accommodation agreement
- any other information that you think will be helpful.
You may need to take additional items depending on your situation. You can check this when you call to arrange an interview.
When will my payments begin?
If you are already paid a New Zealand benefit or pension, the new payment usually starts from the first payment date after you leave New Zealand.
If you are not already paid New Zealand Superannuation or Veteran’s Pension, payment usually starts from the date of your application or the entitlement date – whichever is later. If you are not already paid an Invalid’s Benefit, Widow’s Benefit or Domestic Purposes Benefit for Widowers, there is a stand-down period before your payments begin.
For more information, contact Work and Income
Note: Special Banking Option: if you receive an overseas benefit or pension and you have taken up the Special Banking Option in New Zealand, this account will be closed when your application for payment in Jersey or Guernsey is processed.
This is because the Special Banking Option is only available for clients who reside in New Zealand. You will need to arrange with the overseas agency to have your payments made to your personal bank account. We suggest you arrange this prior to your departure from New Zealand.
Applying from Jersey or Guernsey
To apply for a New Zealand benefit or pension from Jersey or Guernsey, contact the local office of the Jersey Employment & Social Security Department or Guernsey Social Security Authority.
Payment cannot start before you make your application.
Note: You must apply for an Invalid’s Benefit before you leave New Zealand.
You (and your partner) will need to complete an application form and provide proof of the time you lived in New Zealand. This can include testimonials, work references and letters from neighbours and friends (please provide their contact details).
You will also need:
- proof of your identity (passport, birth certificate, marriage certificate, or driver licence)
- your bank account details so that payments can be made to you (bank book, bank statement or deposit slip).
What if my circumstances change?
Even if you are not living in New Zealand, you must still tell Work and Income about any changes to your circumstances eg you marry or change address.
Life certificates and renewal forms
Work and Income will send you life certificates if you receive New Zealand Superannuation or a Veteran’s Pension, or renewal forms if you receive an Invalid’s Benefit, Widow’s Benefit or a Domestic Purposes Benefit for Widowers.
Make sure you return your life certificate or renewal form to Work and Income promptly. Payments are suspended if they are not returned within eight weeks and cancelled if they are still not returned after 16 weeks.
New Zealand Superannuation or Veteran’s Pension
A life certificate is issued every 12 months if you receive New Zealand Superannuation or a Veteran’s Pension while living in Jersey or Guernsey.
In some cases a life certificate is issued every six months eg you use an agent, your payments are made to a New Zealand bank account, or you are over 80.
Invalid’s Benefit, Widow’s Benefit and Domestic Purposes Benefit for Widowers
If you receive one of these benefits, you will be sent a renewal form every 12 months.
Receiving Jersey or Guernsey benefits or pensions in Jersey or Guernsey
The Jersey Employment and Social Security Department or Guernsey Social Security Authority decide who can receive Jersey or Guernsey benefits and pensions and how much will be paid.
The time you resided in New Zealand is treated as periods of Jersey or Guernsey insurance. This means if you meet the general criteria, you may be able to receive:
- Jersey or Guernsey Old Age Pension
- Jersey or Guernsey Widows Benefit
- Jersey or Guernsey Invalidity Benefit
- Jersey or Guernsey Death Grants
- Jersey or Guernsey Sickness Benefit
- Jersey Disablement Benefit
- Guernsey Industrial Injury Benefit
- Guernsey Industrial Disablement Benefit.
How do I apply for Jersey or Guernsey benefits and pensions?
You should apply while in Jersey or Guernsey. For more information, contact the Jersey Employment and Social Security Department or Guernsey Social Security Authority
How much will I be paid?
New Zealand payments
The rate you are paid depends on the New Zealand benefit or pension you apply for and the number of whole months you lived in New Zealand.
All New Zealand payments into Jersey or Guernsey are paid at a gross rate in New Zealand dollars. The amount you receive will change each month depending on the exchange rate.
Any Jersey or Guernsey benefit or pension you receive will not usually be deducted from your New Zealand payment. However, any benefits or pensions received from other countries usually are.
New Zealand Superannuation and Veteran’s Pension
If you have lived in New Zealand for 40 years or more since turning 20, you will receive the maximum gross rate.
If you have lived in New Zealand for less than 40 years since turning 20, you will receive an amount based on the number of years lived in New Zealand since turning 20.
Invalid’s Benefit, Widow’s Benefit and Domestic Purposes Benefit for Widowers
- If you have lived in New Zealand for 25 years or more since turning 20, you will receive the maximum gross rate.
- If you have lived in New Zealand for less than 25 years since turning 20, you will receive an amount based on the number of years lived in New Zealand since turning 20.
Note: Invalid’s Benefit, Widow’s Benefit and Domestic Purposes Benefit for Widowers are all income-tested. This means that the rate you are paid depends on any other income that you have.
Jersey and Guernsey payments
The Jersey Employment and Social Security Department or Guernsey Social Security Authority decides how much will be paid. For more information contact them.
How are payments made from New Zealand?
You can choose to have your payments made:
- to a Jersey or Guernsey bank account every four weeks or
- to a New Zealand bank account every fortnight.
If you choose to have your payment made to a Jersey or Guernsey bank account, Work and Income will pay the initial cost of transferring the funds. You must pay for any other costs that your bank charges.
If you choose to have your payments made to a New Zealand bank account, you must pay the cost of any transfers to Jersey or Guernsey.
What tax will I have to pay?
You may have to pay tax on New Zealand payments when you live in Jersey or Guernsey. For information, contact the Jersey or Guernsey tax authorities.
What happens to my New Zealand benefit or pension if I leave Jersey or Guernsey?
If you move to another country, you may continue to receive your New Zealand benefit or pension depending on which country you move to.
New Zealand has social security agreements with Canada, the United Kingdom, Denmark, the Netherlands, Ireland, Greece and Australia. You will need to re-apply for your New Zealand payment under the appropriate agreement if you move to any of these countries.
The Agreement between New Zealand and the United Kingdom does not allow for payment of New Zealand benefits and pensions into the United Kingdom. However, you may be able to receive a United Kingdom benefit or pension.
If you move from Jersey or Guernsey to live in a country which New Zealand does not have a social security agreement with, your New Zealand payments will stop.
If you visit another country, your payments may be affected.
Contact International Services to discuss how a move or visit to another country will affect your payments.
What happens to my New Zealand benefit or pension if I return to New Zealand?
If you return to New Zealand permanently, you may be paid the full New Zealand rate less any payment that you receive from Jersey or Guernsey or another country. You will need to tell Work and Income that you have returned to live in New Zealand.
If you return to New Zealand temporarily, your payments will not be affected.
Receiving a benefit or pension in New Zealand
If you live in New Zealand or intend to, you may qualify for benefits or pensions from New Zealand, Jersey and from Guernsey.
If you are paid a New Zealand benefit or pension you must apply for any Jersey or Guernsey benefit or pension that you may be able to receive.
The total amount you receive will be similar to the amount you would have been paid if you had spent all your life in New Zealand instead of in New Zealand and Jersey and/or Guernsey.
Generally, you must have permanent residence or New Zealand citizenship to be paid a New Zealand benefit or pension.
If you already receive a Jersey and/or Guernsey benefit or pension, you must tell Work and Income.
Receiving Jersey or Guernsey benefits or pensions in New Zealand
The Jersey Employment and Social Security Department or Guernsey Social Security Authority decides who can receive Jersey and Guernsey benefits and pensions and how much will be paid.
If you have periods of Jersey or Guernsey insurance and you meet the general criteria for Jersey and Guernsey benefits and pensions, you may be able to receive:
- Jersey or Guernsey Old Age Pension
- Jersey or Guernsey Widow’s Benefit
- Jersey or Guernsey Invalidity Benefit
- Jersey or Guernsey Death Grants
- Jersey or Guernsey Sickness Benefit
- Jersey Disablement Benefit
- Guernsey Industrial Injury Benefit
- Guernsey Industrial Disablement Benefit.
For more information about Jersey and Guernsey benefits and pensions, contact the Jersey Employment and Social Security Department or Guernsey Social Security Authority
How do I apply for Jersey or Guernsey benefits and pensions?
You should apply before you leave Jersey or Guernsey.
If you already live in New Zealand, contact Work and Income
Receiving New Zealand benefits or pensions in New Zealand
Work and Income uses certain criteria to decide who can get a benefit or pension in New Zealand, and how much will be paid.
Can I receive New Zealand Superannuation or a Veteran’s Pension?
You may be able to receive either of these if you have lived in Jersey or Guernsey and:
- you meet the New Zealand criteria for New Zealand Superannuation or a Veteran’s Pension
- you have been resident and present in New Zealand for more than 10 years since the age of 20 with five years since the age of 50 (your periods of Jersey or Guernsey insurance can be used for this)
- you are ordinarily resident in New Zealand when you apply
- you have been granted permanent residence in New Zealand by Immigration New Zealand, or you have New Zealand citizenship
- you intend to live in New Zealand
- you are 65 or over (for New Zealand Superannuation)
- you have the necessary service and disability qualifications (for Veteran’s Pension).
Note: You can receive either New Zealand Superannuation or Veteran’s Pension, but not both.
More information about New Zealand Superannuation
More information about Veteran’s Pension
The Living Alone Payment
If you live alone and you receive New Zealand Superannuation you may be eligible for the Living Alone Payment
Partners
You may choose to include your partner if they do not meet the criteria for either pension eg they are under 65 or do not meet the residency criteria.
If you choose to include your partner, the married rate of New Zealand Superannuation or Veteran’s Pension will be income tested. This means that the rate you are paid will depend on any income you and your partner have.
Can I receive an Invalid’s Benefit?
You may be able to receive an Invalid’s Benefit if you have lived in Jersey or Guernsey and:
- you meet the New Zealand criteria for an Invalid’s Benefit
- you have been resident and present in New Zealand for more than two years (your periods of Jersey or Guernsey insurance can be used for this)
- you are ordinary resident in New Zealand when you apply
- you have been granted permanent residence in New Zealand by Immigration New Zealand, or you have New Zealand citizenship
- you are 16 or over
- you are permanently and severely restricted in your capacity to work because of sickness, injury or disability or you are blind.
More information about the Invalid’s Benefit
Can I receive a Widow’s Benefit or the Domestic Purposes Benefit for Widowers?
You may be able to receive either of these if you have lived in Jersey or Guernsey and:
- you meet the New Zealand criteria for a Widow’s Benefit or Domestic Purposes Benefit for Widowers
- you have been resident and present in New Zealand for more than two years (you and your late spouse’s periods of Jersey or Guernsey insurance can be used for this)
- you are ordinarily resident in New Zealand when you apply
- you have been granted permanent residence in New Zealand by Immigration New Zealand, or you have New Zealand citizenship
- you are 16 or over (for the Widow’s Benefit)
- you are 18 or over or you are under 18 and legally married or in a civil union (for the Domestic Purposes Benefit for Widowers)
- you are a man whose partner is deceased (for the Domestic Purposes Benefit for Widowers)
- are the father of one or more dependent children, one of whom was born in New Zealand or Jersey or Guernsey (for the Domestic Purposes Benefit for Widowers).
Note: Partners that have died in Jersey or Guernsey are treated as if they have died in New Zealand.
More information about:
Can I receive a Sickness Benefit?
You may be able to receive a Sickness Benefit if you have lived in Jersey or Guernsey and if:
- you meet the New Zealand criteria for a Sickness Benefit
- you have been resident and present in New Zealand for more than two years (your periods of Jersey or Guernsey insurance can be used for this)
- you are ordinarily resident in New Zealand when you apply
- you have been granted permanent residence in New Zealand by Immigration New Zealand, or you have New Zealand citizenship
- you are 18 or over or 16 or over and married, in a civil union or de facto relationship and have one or more dependent children
- you have had paid work of at least 30 hours a week for eight weeks or more, since you most recently arrived in New Zealand
- you are unable to work because of sickness, injury or disability.
Note: Sickness Benefit is not paid if you leave New Zealand.
More information about Sickness Benefit
Can I receive extra assistance?
There are a number of supplementary benefits available in New Zealand. You may qualify for these depending on your circumstances.
Accommodation Supplement
The Accommodation Supplement helps with paying rent or board, or owning a home. The rate depends on the area you live in and your accommodation costs.
Disability Allowance
If you have a disability you may be able to receive a Disability Allowance to help towards any extra costs such as regular doctor visits, medicines, extra clothes, food or travel.
Working for families Tax Credit (formerly Family Support)
If you care for dependent children, you may be able to receive Working for families tax credit This depends on any other income you receive.
For more information about these benefits, refer to Work and Income’s brochure:
If you apply for New Zealand Superannuation or Veteran’s Pension refer to:
How do I apply for New Zealand benefits or pensions?
You should apply at a Work and Income office. To find out more, call Work and Income
How much will I be paid?
As a general rule, the amount you are paid is about equal to the New Zealand benefit or pension you would be paid if you lived all your life in New Zealand.
Work and Income decides how much you will be paid based on certain criteria. Any Jersey or Guernsey benefit or pension paid to you is usually deducted from your New Zealand payment, as are any other benefits or pensions received from other countries.
How is this done?
This depends on how you choose to have your Jersey or Guernsey payments made.
How are payments made from Jersey or Guernsey?
You can choose to have your Jersey or Guernsey benefit or pension paid by the Direct Payment Method or by the Special Banking Option.
Direct Payment Method
If you choose the Direct Payment Method, your Jersey or Guernsey benefit or pension is paid to your bank account every four or 13 weeks. You are responsible for paying tax on this.
Your gross Jersey or Guernsey benefit or pension is converted each month to New Zealand dollars using an average of the previous month’s exchange rates. This amount is directly deducted from your New Zealand benefit or pension.
This means that the payments you receive from Jersey, Guernsey and New Zealand will change each month due to fluctuations in exchange rates. Each month Work and Income will send you a letter explaining how your New Zealand payment rate was worked out. If you don’t want to receive these, please let us know.
The total amount you will receive will be the equivalent of your full New Zealand benefit or pension entitlement.
Note: The rate of Invalid’s Benefit, Widow’s Benefit, Domestic Purposes Benefit for Widowers, Sickness Benefit and New Zealand Superannuation (where a non-qualified partner has been included) depends on any other income you have.
The Special Banking Option
If you choose the Special Banking Option, your Jersey or Guernsey benefit or pension will be paid into a special bank account that only Work and Income and the bank access.
Work and Income will pay you the full New Zealand benefit or pension weekly or fortnightly. Your payment isn’t affected by exchange rates and the tax is already paid for you.
For more information, see:
What tax will I have to pay?
When I may have to pay tax
You may have to pay tax on your Jersey or Guernsey payments in New Zealand if:
- you are paid New Zealand Superannuation or a Veteran’s Pension, and you are paid your Jersey or Guernsey payment by the Direct Payment Method
- you took up the Special Banking Option part way through a tax year
- you are only paid a Jersey or Guernsey payment and do not receive payment from New Zealand.
This is regardless of whether your Jersey or Guernsey payment is paid to a bank account in Jersey or Guernsey or New Zealand.
Make sure you keep copies of all your banking records as these may confirm your gross Jersey or Guernsey payments, required for tax purposes.
When I may not have to pay tax
Generally, you do not have to pay tax on your Jersey or Guernsey payments in New Zealand if:
- you are paid a New Zealand benefit or pension other than New Zealand Superannuation or Veteran’s Pension, and
- you are paid your Jersey or Guernsey payment by the Direct Payment Method.
This is because your gross Jersey or Guernsey payments are directly deducted from your net New Zealand benefit or pension.
If you have chosen the Special Banking Option the tax is already paid. However, you may need to pay tax on any Jersey or Guernsey benefit or pension payments you received prior to choosing the Special Banking Option.
We recommend you discuss your tax liabilities with Inland Revenue (New Zealand).
What happens to my New Zealand benefit or pension if I leave New Zealand?
If you leave New Zealand temporarily, you must advise Work and Income. You may continue to receive your benefit or pension, or it may be suspended or cancelled, depending on the length of time you are away.
If you move to another country, you may continue to receive your New Zealand benefit or pension depending on which country you move to.
Advise Work and Income of your plans so there’s less chance that you will be overpaid and required to make repayments later.
What happens to my New Zealand benefit or pension if I return to Jersey or Guernsey?
If you return to Jersey or Guernsey temporarily, you must advise Work and Income. You may continue to receive your benefit or pension depending on the length of time you are away.
If you move back to Jersey or Guernsey, your benefit or pension may be suspended or cancelled, depending on the length of time you are away. In certain cases, you can take your New Zealand payment with you, but the rate may change.
Advise Work and Income of your plans so there’s less chance that you will be overpaid and required to make repayments later.
If you are paid New Zealand Superannuation or Veteran’s Pension, refer to:
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. If my partner is under 65 and is included in my New Zealand Superannuation or Veteran’s Pension and we move to Jersey or Guernsey, is my rate affected?
A. Yes. New Zealand Superannuation and Veteran’s Pension payments into Jersey and Guernsey do not include payments for partners under 65.
Q. Will I continue to receive extra assistance or the Living Alone Payment from New Zealand (in addition to my benefit or pension) if I move to Jersey or Guernsey?
A. No. Extra assistance (Accommodation Supplement, Disability Allowance and Family Tax Credit (formerly Family Support)) and the Living Alone Payment are only paid to people living in New Zealand.
Q. Who decides how much I will be paid?
A. The Jersey Employment and Social Security Department or the Guernsey Social Security Authority decides who can receive Jersey and Guernsey benefits and pensions and how much will be paid. Work and Income in New Zealand decides who can receive a New Zealand benefit or pension and how much will be paid.
Q. What happens to the information I provide Work and Income?
A. Any application forms you complete for New Zealand benefits or pensions may be compared with information held by the Jersey or Guernsey Social Security Authorities and Work and Income. Work and Income checks your identity and residency status.
Work and Income may compare information with Inland Revenue, the Ministry of Justice, the Department of Corrections, the New Zealand Customs Service, the Department of Internal Affairs, the Accident Compensation Corporation, Housing New Zealand Corporation and Immigration New Zealand. Work and Income may pass this information on to the Jersey Employment and Social Security Department or Guernsey Social Security Authorities as well.
In certain circumstances, Work and Income may approach other governments from whom you may be able to receive a similar benefit or pension.
Under the New Zealand Privacy Act 1993, you have the right to request all information we hold about you and corrections to that information.
Q. What happens if I’m in New Zealand and my Jersey or Guernsey benefit or pension is higher than my New Zealand benefit or pension?
A. If your Jersey or Guernsey payment is paid by Direct Payment Method you will be paid your full Jersey or Guernsey payment but not a New Zealand benefit or pension.
If your partner is paid a New Zealand benefit or pension, any excess from your Jersey or Guernsey payment will be deducted from their New Zealand benefit or pension.
If you are on the Special Banking Option, please talk to us about your options.
Q. I’m leaving New Zealand to live in Jersey or Guernsey, but would like to travel first. How is my benefit or pension affected?
A. If you go directly from New Zealand to Jersey or Guernsey your payments may continue. However, if you decide to travel first, your payments may stop from the time you leave New Zealand until you begin to reside in Jersey or Guernsey.
Please discuss your situation with International Services before you leave.
Q. Can I receive back-dated payments for New Zealand benefits or pensions?
A. No. You will be paid from the date that Work and Income receive your application or the date of entitlement – whichever is later.
If you qualify for an Invalid’s Benefit, Widow’s Benefit, Domestic Purposes Benefit for Widowers or a Sickness Benefit, there is a stand-down period. Payment begins after that period.
Contacts
Contacting Jersey or Guernsey
Jersey Employment and Social Security Department
Philip Le Feuvre House
La Motte Street
St Helier
JERSEY JE2 8PE
Tel 0044 1534 280 000
Fax 0044 1534 280 280
Web http://www.gov.je/
The Administrator
Guernsey Social Security Authority
Edward T Wheadon House
Le Truchot, St Peter Port
GUERNSEY GY1 3WH
Tel 0044 1481 732 500
Fax 0044 1481 732 501
Web www.gov.gg
When you write to the Jersey Employment and Social Security Department or the Guernsey Social Security Authority, you should include:
- your full name, full address and date of birth
- a list of all the countries you have lived in
- your Jersey or Guernsey reference number.
Contacting New Zealand
International Services
Work and Income
Ministry of Social Development
P O Box 27-178
Wellington 6141
NEW ZEALAND
Calling from New Zealand
For general benefit enquiries or to arrange a meeting 0800 559 009
For specific enquiries about the Agreement 0800 777 227
Calling from overseas
Tel 0064 4 978 1180
Fax 0064 4 918 0159
Email international.services@msd.govt.nz
