Your Benefit Type Determines Your Travel Duration
New Zealand's social security system, managed by Work and Income (part of the Ministry of Social Development), has different rules for overseas travel depending on whether you receive a 'main benefit' (like Jobseeker Support or Supported Living Payment) or New Zealand Superannuation. It's crucial to understand which category your payments fall into, as the rules for each have different maximums and conditions. Failure to follow the correct procedure could result in your benefit stopping or an overpayment that you must repay.
Temporary Overseas Travel on Main Benefits
For most main benefit recipients, the default travel rule is a strict 28-day limit. This means your payments will generally continue for up to 28 days while you are overseas. If your travel exceeds this period, your payments will stop from the day after you leave New Zealand, unless you have been granted an extension for a specific, approved reason. Approved reasons can significantly extend this period and must be discussed with Work and Income before departure.
Approved Reasons for Extended Travel
In special circumstances, Work and Income may approve a longer absence for recipients of a main benefit. Common examples include:
- Medical Treatment: If you or a family member requires medical treatment not available in New Zealand, an extension of up to two years may be granted.
- Family Events: Important family events such as a funeral, a family member's serious illness, or a wedding may be approved for a longer stay.
- Training or Assistance: Vocational training or disability assistance dog training not available in NZ can be a valid reason for an extended period.
If you plan to travel for an approved reason, you must inform Work and Income well in advance to get prior approval. Without this, your payments will likely be suspended.
Travelling on NZ Superannuation or Veteran's Pension
The rules are different for those receiving NZ Superannuation or a Veteran's Pension, offering more flexibility for travel. The key distinction is between short-term holidays and moving overseas to live permanently.
Travel Up to 26 Weeks
For seniors on NZ Super or a Veteran's Pension, your payments will generally continue for up to 26 weeks while you are on a holiday overseas. There is no need to notify Work and Income for trips under 28 days, but it is recommended for longer ones, just in case. For travel between 28 days and 26 weeks, you should notify Work and Income of your travel dates, but your payments will continue, provided you intend to return to New Zealand and consider it your home.
Travel Exceeding 26 Weeks
If you plan to be away for more than 26 weeks, you must apply to keep your NZ Superannuation payments going. The rules become more complex and depend on several factors, including:
- Your country of destination.
- Whether New Zealand has a social security agreement with that country.
- Your period of residence in New Zealand.
Your payment amount may also be affected, depending on the specific agreement. If your stay extends unexpectedly, such as due to an illness or travel delay, you must contact Work and Income immediately to apply for an extension. Failure to do so can lead to an overpayment.
Rules for Other Payments
Besides main benefits and superannuation, many people receive supplementary payments, and these also have travel rules. Generally, these payments will only continue for up to 28 days while you are overseas and only if the underlying cost continues. For example, if you receive an Accommodation Supplement to help with New Zealand rent, it will stop if you are not paying that rent while overseas. This also applies to payments like the Disability Allowance and Temporary Additional Support.
Comparison of Benefit Travel Rules
To simplify the differences, here is a comparison of the typical rules for overseas travel.
| Feature | Main Benefits (e.g., Jobseeker Support) | NZ Superannuation | Other Payments (e.g., Accommodation Supplement) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Max Duration | 28 days | 26 weeks | 28 days |
| Requirement to Notify | Mandatory before travel | Recommended; mandatory for >26 weeks | Mandatory before travel |
| Reason for Travel | Required for approval, especially for extensions | Not required for holidays <26 weeks | Not applicable; based on continued costs |
| Extended Absence | Possible with approval for specific reasons (e.g., medical treatment) | Possible with formal application, eligibility criteria, and potentially reduced payments | Not applicable; payments cease if costs stop |
| Payments Affected | Stops if you don't meet criteria or notify | Can be impacted for long-term travel >26 weeks | Stops if the cost it covers is no longer being incurred |
Potential Consequences of Non-Compliance
Work and Income uses data matching with New Zealand Customs to track client movements in and out of the country. This means that they will know when you have left and returned. If you are found to have received a benefit payment you were not entitled to, it will be considered an overpayment that you are legally required to pay back. Ignoring the rules can lead to financial hardship and potential legal action.
Planning for Travel with Benefits
For anyone on a benefit, the golden rule is to plan ahead and communicate openly with Work and Income. Whether it's a short holiday or a long-term stay, being transparent about your travel plans is the best way to ensure a smooth journey without any surprises. The Work and Income website provides detailed information and online forms for notifying them of your travel intentions. It's an authoritative source for the most up-to-date guidance Work and Income: Going overseas.
Conclusion: Know Your Rules Before You Go
The answer to how long you can be out of the country on benefits in NZ is not a single number, but a set of specific rules that depend entirely on the type of benefit you receive. Main benefit recipients have a limited window for temporary travel, while those on NZ Superannuation have more flexibility. By understanding the distinction, notifying Work and Income, and adhering to the relevant criteria, you can manage your travels with confidence and prevent any disruption to your payments.
