Social security agreement with Jersey and Guernsey

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
• Supported Living Payment (health condition, injury, disability or totally blind)
• Sole Parent Support for widows and widowers
• Jobseeker Support (on grounds of health condition, injury, or disability).

Guernsey

• Old Age Pension
• Bereavement Allowance (formerly Widows Benefit)
• Invalidity Benefit
• Industrial Injury Benefit
• Industrial Disablement Benefit
• Sickness Benefit
• Death Grants

Jersey

• Old Age Pension
• Survivors Pension (formerly Widows Benefit)
• Income Support Disablement
• Incapacity Pension
• Death Grants

The Agreement means that:

• Some New Zealand benefits and pensions can be paid to New Zealanders going to reside in Jersey or Guernsey.
• New Zealanders who reside in Jersey or Guernsey may be able to 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.
• Former Jersey or Guernsey residents that now reside in New Zealand may be able to use their Jersey or Guernsey periods of insurance to meet the residential requirements for benefits or pensions in New Zealand.
• When former Jersey or Guernsey residents apply for a New Zealand benefit or pension and may also qualify for a Jersey or Guernsey benefit or pension, they must apply for a Jersey or Guernsey benefit or pension as well.

Note: If you have resided 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 resides in New Zealand and intends to continue doing so. As there are a number of factors that prove "ordinarily resident in New Zealand", Work and Income decides this on a case by case basis.

A partner is your spouse, or a person with whom you have a de facto relationship or in a civil union with.

The Jersey Social Security Department and Guernsey Social Security Department are the equivalent of Work and Income in New Zealand.

If you reside in Jersey or Guernsey or you intend to, you may qualify for benefits or pensions from Jersey or Guernsey as well as New Zealand.

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 10 or more years (depending on your date of birth, see: Who can get NZ Super) since the age of 20 with 5 years since the age of 50 (your or your spouse's periods of Jersey or Guernsey insurance may be able to be used for this but you must have been ordinarily resident in New Zealand for at least one year since age 20)
• you are in Jersey, Guernsey or New Zealand when you apply
• you intend to reside 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).
• any overlapping periods can only be counted once.

Note: You can receive either New Zealand Superannuation or a Veteran's Pension, but not both.

The living alone rate

The single living alone rate is not paid to people residing in Jersey or Guernsey.

Non-qualified partners getting New Zealand Superannuation and Veteran's Pension

Some people getting NZ Super or Veteran’s Pension have their non-qualified partner (a partner who doesn't meet the qualifications for NZ Super or Veteran’s Pension) included in their payments. This rate is subject to an income test.

We stopped accepting new applications for this from 9 November 2020. Anyone who was already getting this payment before this date can continue to get this payment as long as they still meet the criteria for it. The non-qualified partner rate cannot be paid if you leave New Zealand permanently.

Can I receive the Supported Living Payment (health condition, injury, disability or totally blind)?

You may be able to receive the Supported Living Payment (health condition, injury, disability or totally blind) in Jersey or Guernsey if:

• you are being paid the Supported Living Payment (health condition, injury, disability or totally blind), or you meet the New Zealand criteria
• you have been resident in New Zealand for at least two years continuously (your or your spouse's periods of Jersey or Guernsey insurance may be able to be used for this but you must have been ordinarily resident in New Zealand for one year since age 20)
• you are ordinarily resident in New Zealand when you apply
• you intend to reside in Jersey or Guernsey for more than 26 weeks
• you are 21 or over
• you are permanently and severely restricted in your capacity to work because of a health condition, injury or disability or you are blind.
• any overlapping periods can only be counted once.

Can I receive the Sole Parent Support for widows and widowers?

You may be able to receive this in Jersey or Guernsey if:

• you are being paid the Sole Parent Support for widows and widowers, or you meet the New Zealand criteria
• you have been resident in New Zealand for at least two years continuously (you or your late spouse's periods of Jersey or Guernsey insurance may be able to be used for this but you must have been ordinarily resident in New Zealand for at least one year since age 20 )
• any overlapping periods can only be counted once
• you intend to reside, in Jersey or Guernsey for more than 26 weeks
• you are in New Zealand when you apply
• you are 21 or over
• you are the parent of one or more dependent children whose other parent is deceased.

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 residing outside New Zealand. They will usually stop the day after you leave New Zealand.

If you are residing in Jersey or Guernsey, you may be able to receive extra help from Jersey or Guernsey. Talk to the Jersey Social Security Department or Guernsey Social Security Department about this. See below for contact details.

How do I apply for New Zealand benefits and 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 some of the things you need to take to the interview:

• your passport
• another form of identification (driver's license, or birth certificate, marriage certificate)
• your travel itinerary or tickets
• the 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, then 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 the Supported Living Payment (health condition, injury, disability or totally blind), or the Sole Parent Support for widows and widowers, there may be a stand-down period before your payments begin.

For more information, contact Work and Income. See below for contact details.

Note: If you receive an overseas benefit or pension and you have taken up the Special Banking Option in New Zealand, your special banking option 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 Jersey Social Security Department or Guernsey Social Security Department.

Payment cannot start before you make your application.

Note: You must apply for the Supported Living Payment (health condition, injury, disability or totally blind), or Sole Parent Support for widows and widowers before you leave New Zealand.

You (and your partner) will need to complete an application form and provide proof of the time you resided 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's licence)
• your bank account details so that payments can be made to you (bank book, bank statement or deposit slip).

See below for contact details.

What if my circumstances change?

Even if you are not residing in New Zealand, you must still tell Work and Income about any changes to your circumstances eg you marry or change address.

You also need to advise Jersey Social Security Department or Guernsey Social Security Department of these changes.  See below for contact details.

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 the Supported Living Payment (health condition, injury, disability or totally blind), or the Sole Parent Support for widows and widowers.

Make sure you return your life certificate or renewal form to Work and Income promptly. Your benefit or pension 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 residing in Jersey or Guernsey.
In some cases a life certificate is issued every six months eg you use an agent, your New Zealand Superannuation or Veteran's Pension payments are made to a New Zealand bank account, or you are over 80.

Supported Living Payment (health condition, injury, disability or totally blind), or Sole Parent Support for widows and widowers Benefit

If you receive one of these benefits, you will be sent a renewal form every 12 months.

The Jersey Social Security Department or Guernsey Social Security Department decide who can receive Jersey or Guernsey benefits and pensions and how much will be paid.

The time you have resided in New Zealand may be able to be 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 Death Grants
• Jersey Survivors Pension (formerly Widows Benefit)
• Jersey Income Support Disablement
• Jersey Incapacity Pension
• Guernsey Sickness Benefit
• Guernsey Bereavement Allowance (formerly Widow' Benefit)
• Guernsey Industrial Injury Benefit
• Guernsey Industrial Disablement Benefit
• Guernsey Invalidity 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 Social Security Department or Guernsey Social Security Department. See below for contact details.

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 years you resided in New Zealand since you turned 20.

If you receive a benefit or pension from any country other than Jersey or Guernsey, this amount will be deducted from the maximum gross rate of your New Zealand payment. Payments are deducted before assessing how much you are able to receive in Jersey or Guernsey. Contact Senior Services to discuss.
The amount you receive will change each month depending on the exchange rate used to convert your payments from New Zealand dollars to pounds.
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

The rate you are paid is based on the number of whole years you resided in New Zealand since the age of 20. New Zealand Superannuation and Veteran's Pension are paid into Jersey or Guernsey at a gross rate

If you are paid a Veteran's Pension and you are under the age of 65 any other income you receive may affect the rate you are paid. This is because Veteran's Pension for those under the age of 65 is an income-tested payment.

Supported Living Payment (health condition, injury, disability or totally blind), and Sole Parent Support for widows and widowers

• If you have resided in New Zealand for 25 years or more since turning 20, you will receive the maximum rate.
• If you have resided in New Zealand for less than 25 years since turning 20, you will receive an amount based on the number of years resided in New Zealand since turning 20.

These benefits are paid at the net rate.

Note: Supported Living Payment (health condition, injury, disability or totally blind), and Sole Parent Support for widows and 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 Social Security Department or Guernsey Social Security Department decide how much will be paid. For more information contact them. See below for contact details.

How are payments made from New Zealand?

You can choose to have your benefit or pension payments made:

• to an overseas bank account every four weeks or
• to a New Zealand bank account every fortnight.

If you choose to have your benefit or pension payments made to an overseas 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 benefit or pension payments made to a New Zealand bank account, you must pay the cost of any transfers overseas.

What tax will I have to pay?

You may have to pay tax on New Zealand benefit or pension payments when you reside in Jersey or Guernsey. For information, contact the Jersey or Guernsey tax authorities.

If your New Zealand benefit or pension payments are being made into a New Zealand bank account you may need to pay tax to New Zealand Inland Revenue. Please contact them for more information, you may find their website address www.ird.govt.nz a useful place to start.

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 Australia, Canada, Denmark, Greece, Ireland, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.  You will need to re-apply for your New Zealand benefit or pension 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 reside in a country which New Zealand does not have a social security agreement with, your New Zealand benefit or pension payments will stop.

If you visit another country, your payments may be affected.

Contact Senior Services International to discuss how a move or visit to another country will affect your benefit or pension payments. See below for contact details.

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 about your return. See below for contact details.

If you return to New Zealand temporarily, your payments will not be affected.

If you reside in New Zealand or you 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. You must also apply for any other overseas benefit or pension that you may be able to receive.

The combined amount of your New Zealand and overseas payments will be similar to the amount you would have been paid if you spent all your life in New Zealand.

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, or a benefit or pension from another country, you must tell Work and Income.

Receiving Jersey or Guernsey benefits or pensions in New Zealand

The Jersey Social Security Department or Guernsey Social Security Department 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 Survivors Pension (formerly Widows Benefit)
• Jersey Income Support Disablement
• Jersey Incapacity Pension
• Guernsey Sickness Benefit
• Guernsey Bereavement Allowance (formerly Widow' Benefit)
• Guernsey Industrial Injury Benefit
• Guernsey Industrial Disablement Benefit
• Guernsey Invalidity Benefit

For more information about Jersey and Guernsey benefits and pensions, contact the Jersey Social Security Department or Guernsey Social Security Department. See below for contact details.

How do I apply for Jersey or Guernsey benefits and pensions?

You should apply before you leave Jersey or Guernsey.

If you already reside in New Zealand, contact Work and Income. See below for contact details.

Senior Services International 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 resided 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 10 or more years (depending on your date of birth, see: Who can get NZ Super) since the age of 20 with 5 years since the age of 50 (your, or your spouse's periods of Jersey or Guernsey insurance may be able to 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 reside in New Zealand
• you are 65 or over (for New Zealand Superannuation)
• you have the necessary service and disability qualifications (for Veteran's Pension).
• any overlapping periods can only be counted once.

Note: You can receive either New Zealand Superannuation or a Veteran's Pension, but not both.

If you are under the age of 65 and receiving a Veteran's Pension, any other income you receive may affect the rate you are paid.

For more information about New Zealand Superannuation, visit:

• Services for Seniors

For more information about Veteran's Pension, visit:

• Veterans

Can I receive the Supported Living Payment (health condition, injury, disability or totally blind)?

You may be able to receive the Supported Living Payment (health condition, injury, disability or totally blind) if you have resided in Jersey or Guernsey and:

• you meet the New Zealand criteria for the Supported Living Payment (health condition, injury, disability or totally blind)
• you have been resident in New Zealand for at least two years continuously (your, or your spouses periods of Jersey or Guernsey insurance may be able to 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 a health condition, injury or disability or you are totally blind.
• any overlapping periods can only be counted once

For more information about Supported Living Payment (health condition, injury, disability or totally blind), refer to:

• Supported Living Payment.

Can I receive the Sole Parent Support for widows and widowers?

You may be able to receive this if you have resided in Jersey or Guernsey and:

• you meet the New Zealand criteria for the Sole Parent Support for widows and widowers
• you have been resident in New Zealand for at least two years continuously (you and your late spouse's periods of Jersey or Guernsey insurance may be able to 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 you are under 18 and were legally married or in a civil union
• you are the parent of one or more dependent children whose other parent is deceased.
• any overlapping periods can only be counted once.

For more information about Sole Parent Support for widows and widowers, visit:

• Sole Parent Support

Can I receive the Jobseeker Support (on grounds of health condition, injury, or disability)?

You may be able to receive Jobseeker Support (on grounds of health condition, injury, or disability) if you have resided in Jersey or Guernsey and:

• you meet the New Zealand criteria for Jobseeker Support (on grounds of health condition, injury, or disability)
• you have been resident in New Zealand for at least two years continuously (your, or your spouses periods of Jersey or Guernsey insurance may be able to 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
• you are 16 or over and married, in a civil union or a de facto relationship and have one or more dependent children or
• you are 16 or 17 and either pregnant or undergoing treatment in an approved rehabilitation programme
• 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 a health condition, injury or disability.
• any overlapping periods can only be counted once

Note: Jobseeker Support (on grounds of health condition, injury, or disability) is not paid if you leave New Zealand.

For more information about Jobseeker Support (on grounds of health condition, injury, or disability), visit:

• Job Seekers Support

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 reside 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.

Family Tax Credit (formerly Family Support)

If you care for dependent children, you may be able to receive Family Tax Credit. This depends on any other income you receive.

Community Services Card and Super Gold Card

If you reside in New Zealand and receive a benefit you may be entitled to a Community Services Card to help with health costs.

If you are returning to New Zealand temporarily and you meet the entitlement criteria, you may be able to get a Temporary Community Services Card.

If you reside in New Zealand and are 65 years or over, or under 65 and receiving a Veteran's Pension, or you have been included in your partners New Zealand Superannuation or Veteran's Pension, you will be eligible for a Super Gold Card. It gives access to discounts from a wide range of businesses nationwide and facilitates easy access to government entitlements and local authority services and concessions.

Super Gold Cards are only available to people who are ordinarily resident in New Zealand. 

For more information, visit:

• Benefits and payments
• Services for Seniors

How do I apply for New Zealand benefits and pensions?

You should apply at a Work and Income office. To find out more, call Work and Income. See below for contact details.

When you make an application for a benefit or pension in New Zealand, you need:

• proof of your identity (passport, birth certificate, marriage certificate or drivers' licence)
• your bank account details so that payments can be made to you (bank book, bank statement or deposit slip)
• any other information that you think will be helpful.

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 resided all your life in New Zealand.
Work and Income decides how much you will be paid based on certain criteria. Any benefit or pension similar to a New Zealand benefit or pension from another country including Jersey or Guernsey is usually deducted from your New Zealand payment.

Other income you have may affect the amount paid to you if you are applying for an income-tested benefit.

How is this done?

This depends on how you choose to have your Jersey or Guernsey payments made.

How are payments made from Jersey and Guernsey?

You can choose to have your Jersey or Guernsey benefit or pension paid by the Direct Payment Method or the Special Banking Option.

For more information on the payment options, refer to:

•  Payment Options for Overseas Pensions

What tax will I have to pay?

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.

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.

You may have to pay tax on any part of your Jersey or Guernsey payment that exceeds the normal amount of New Zealand benefit payable if:

• you are paid any New Zealand benefit or pension
• you are paid your Jersey or Guernsey payment by the Direct Payment Method
• the rate of New Zealand benefit paid to you, when combined with your Jersey or Guernsey payment is more than the normal amount of benefit.

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 Superannuation or Veteran's Pension, and
• you are paid through the Special Banking Option or
• 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.

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 International Services. You may continue to receive your benefit or pension but it may be paid at a different rate or not be paid at all depending on the length of time you are away and the country you are in.

If you go overseas temporarily

If you move to another country, you may be able to continue to receive your New Zealand benefit or pension depending on what type of benefit or pension you are receiving and which country you move to.

Advise Interna of your plans so there's less chance that you will be overpaid and required to make repayments later.

Carrying out full-time voluntary humanitarian work

If you go overseas temporarily to do full-time voluntary humanitarian work with a recognised aid agency, you may be able to receive your New Zealand Superannuation or Veteran's Pension for up to 156 weeks. You need to check with Work and Income before you go.

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 be able to continue to receive your benefit or pension depending on what type of benefit or pension you are receiving and 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 what type of benefit or pension you are receiving and the length of time you are away. In certain cases, you can take your New Zealand benefit or pension payment with you, but the rate may change. You can apply to receive payments in Jersey or Guernsey before you depart New Zealand.

Advise Work and Income of your plans so there's less chance that you will be overpaid and required to make repayments later.

For more information:

• Getting a NZ pension or benefit and going overseas

A copy of the Social Welfare (Reciprocity with Jersey and Guernsey) Order 1995 (the Agreement) can be found here on the New Zealand Legislation website:

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?

Yes. If you move to live in Jersey or Guernsey your New Zealand Superannuation or Veteran's Pension payments will not include payments for partners included in your payment. 

Will I continue to receive extra assistance from New Zealand (in addition to my benefit or pension) if I move to Jersey or Guernsey?

No. Extra assistance (Accommodation Supplement, Disability Allowance and Family Tax Credit (formerly Family Support)) is only paid to people residing in New Zealand.

Who decides how much I will be paid?

The Jersey Social Security Department or the Guernsey Social Security Department 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.

What happens to the information I provide Work and Income?

Any application forms you complete for New Zealand benefits or pensions may be compared with information held by the Jersey Social Security Department or the Guernsey Social Security Department 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, ACC, Kāinga Ora (used to be Housing New Zealand) and Immigration New Zealand. Work and Income may pass this information on to Jersey Social Security Department or Guernsey Social Security Department 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.

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?

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 getting a New Zealand benefit, such as Jobseeker Support or Supported Living Payment, any excess amount from your Jersey or Guernsey payment will be deducted from your partner’s New Zealand benefit.

If your partner is getting NZ Super or Veteran’s Pension, your Jersey or Guernsey payment does not affect this. Also, if your partner receives an overseas pension but does not receive any New Zealand benefit their overseas pension does not affect your NZ Super or Veteran's Pension payments.

If a person is included in their partner’s NZ Super or Veteran’s Pension as a non-qualified partner, the amount of Jersey or Guernsey payment will be deducted from their payment, and the remaining NZ Super or Veteran’s Pension amount will be divided equally between the two of you.

I'm leaving New Zealand to reside in Jersey or Guernsey, but would like to travel first. How is my benefit or pension affected?

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 Senior Services International before you leave.

If you would like to travel for more than 26 weeks before going to reside in Jersey or Guernsey you may, depending on the amount of time you have spent in New Zealand, be entitled to receive up to 100% of your payments of New Zealand Superannuation or Veteran's Pension.

Once you arrive in Jersey or Guernsey and begin to reside there, you will need to apply under the Agreement so that payment of your New Zealand Superannuation can continue. You can only use this option if you are entitled to receive, or are receiving New Zealand Superannuation or Veteran's Pension before departing from New Zealand.

For more information:

• Getting a NZ pension or benefit and going overseas

Can I receive back-dated payments for New Zealand benefits or pensions?

No. You will be paid from the date that Work and Income or the Jersey Social Security Department or Guernsey Social Security Department receive your application or the date of entitlement - whichever is later.

If you qualify for an Supported Living Payment (health condition, injury, disability or totally blind), Sole Parent Support for widows and widowers, or Jobseeker Support (on grounds of health condition, injury, or disability), there may be a stand-down period. Payment begins after that period.

I have been travelling through Jersey and/or Guernsey for more than 26 weeks while receiving payment of New Zealand Superannuation overseas. I had the intention of returning to New Zealand at the end of my travels but have now decided to reside in Jersey/Guernsey, what should I do?

If you begin to reside in Jersey or Guernsey you will need to apply for payment to be made under the Agreement. Please contact us immediately to make sure you continue to receive your full and correct entitlement. We will then let you know what or if you need to do anything.

You should also contact the Jersey Social Security Department or Guernsey Social Security Department. See back page for contact details.

I have been residing in Jersey/Guernsey and am currently receiving payments of New Zealand Superannuation from Senior Services International. I have decided that I would like to travel overseas for a year. Can I receive my New Zealand Superannuation while I do this?

The Agreement only allows you to be paid for temporary absences of up to 26 weeks. If you intend to travel outside of Jersey or Guernsey for a period longer than 26 weeks, you will not be entitled to any payment of New Zealand Superannuation during your absence. Please contact Senior Services International to discuss this further.

For Jersey and Guernsey contact details go to our overseas pensions agency contact details page.

If you write to the Jersey Social Security Department or the Guernsey Social Security Department, you should include:

• your full name, full address and date of birth
• a list of all the countries you have resided in
• your Jersey or Guernsey reference number (if known).