How to repay debt from overseas
If you owe us money, we want to help you repay it in a way that best suits your situation. We have a range of overseas repayment options available if you're not getting a benefit or pension from us.
If you:
- are getting a main benefit, NZ Super, Veteran's Pension or Accommodation Supplement from us, there's a different process for your debt repayments.
- want to make repayments from NZ, there are different repayment options available.
Repaying debt while getting a benefit or pension from us
Repayment options
Below are the different repayment methods you can use if you're making repayments from overseas. These are for people who are not getting a benefit or pension from us.
We don't offer direct debit services.
If you need help setting up a repayment arrangement, contact our Client Support Debt Management team
Online money transfer
You can pay online using a money transfer agency called OrbitRemit. This service is free.
- Create an account with OrbitRemitexternal
- Enter your name and client number.
- Enter the amount in New Zealand dollars that you're paying.
Payments will be processed within 5 working days.
Online by debit card or credit card
You can pay online using your debit or credit card.
You will need:
- your name and client number
- your debit or credit card details:
- name of the person on the card
- card number
- expiry date
- card verification number, and
- the amount in New Zealand dollars you'd like to pay.
You'll be transferred to a secure payment site to complete your payment. Do not close your browser while your payment is being processed. You may get an extra authentication step from your bank - follow the instructions on the screen to complete this.
If you're paying by credit card, you could be charged interest if you don't pay this back on time.
Payments made on your behalf
Someone living in New Zealand can make payments on your behalf, such as a family member or friend. They can do this using a repayment method from New Zealand.
Make regular payments on your behalf
If they're going to pay on your behalf regularly, contact our Client Support Debt Management team
Client Support Debt Management team
You need to let them know:
- how much they'll be paying
- how often the payments will be made
- when the payments will start.
We'll only discuss your personal information with this person if you've filled out a form to appoint them as your agent.
Australian payment options
If you're in Australia, you can choose to repay your debt by:
- Australian internet or telephone banking, or
- Australian automatic bank payments.
However you pay, you need to contact our Client Support Debt Management team
Client Support Debt Management team
You need to let them know:
- how much you'll be paying
- how often the payments will be made, and
- when the payments will start.
Australian internet or telephone banking
You can make a one-off payment or regular automatic payments from an Australian bank account using internet or telephone banking. Your bank may charge you for these services.
To set up the payments, use the 'Pay Anyone' option. You'll need:
- account name: Ministry of Social Development
- account details: 034002 161233
- reference: in the 'reference' field put 'D' and then your 9-digit client number.
- Swift BIC – WPACNZ2W
Australian automatic bank payments
You can set up automatic payments at your Australian bank. These are payments you can control, edit and change yourself. Your bank may charge you for this service.
To set up the payments, you need to download and print the 'Automatic Payments - Australia' form.
Complete these details on the form:
- enter the date the payments will start
- enter the amount of the repayments
- choose how often the repayments will be made
- fill in your name
- in the 'Client Number' field, enter your 9-digit client number after the 'D'.
Then take the form to your bank. They will set it up for you.