The Australian Carer Supplement and New Zealand benefit and NZ Super payments

Why is the Australian Carer Supplement payment deductible?

The Carer Supplement meets section 189 of the Social Security Act 2018, which requires the rate of New Zealand benefit or pension to be reduced where an overseas benefit or pension:

• is granted outside of New Zealand
• is administered by or on behalf of the Government of that country;
• forms part of a programme that provides benefits, pensions or periodical allowances for any of the contingencies which the New Zealand programme of social security provides for.

The Carer Supplement meets these requirements as it:

• is granted in Australia
• is administered by the Department of Human Services, a part of the Australian government
• forms a part of the Australian social security programme, which provides for similar contingencies to the New Zealand programme (for example old age).

When are the deductions going to start?

• The Australian Carer Supplement will be deducted from your New Zealand benefit payments or superannuation from 1 July 2016.

• Payments received or refunded prior to this date will not be deducted.

• Australian Carer Supplements paid into the Special Banking Option in July 2015 have been refunded.

• Payments of the Australian Carer Supplement paid on or after 1 July 2016 will affect New Zealand benefit payments or superannuation and will need to be reported to the Ministry.

• Australian Carer Supplements paid into the Special Banking Option account in July 2016 may not be refunded.

Will this affect my tax bracket?

You need to discuss this with Inland Revenue. Please contact Inland Revenue on 0800 227 774 or visit their website:

For more information

If you have any enquiries: