Social security for Australians in NZ

Community Wage (for sickness or unemployment)

Australian citizens or former residents (including New Zealanders returning after living in Australia) may be eligible for a Community Wage, if they have been continuously resident in New Zealand for at least two years and fulfil other eligibility criteria. Because the circumstances of every individual are different, it is recommended that applicants contact the Department of Work and Income to determine whether or not they may receive a benefit.

Domestic Purposes Benefit (for sole parents and widows or widowers with children)

The regulations covering the payment of the Domestic Purposes benefit to Australian citizens or former residents (including New Zealanders returning after living in Australia) have been revised over the past few years. Because a number of eligibility criteria are applied and the circumstances of every individual are different, it is recommended that applicants contact the Department of Work and Income to determine whether or not they may receive a benefit.

Invalids Benefit (for people with disabilities)

Australian citizens or former residents (including New Zealanders returning after living in Australia) may be eligible for an Invalids Benefit if they meet eligibility criteria. Because the circumstances of every individual are different, it is recommended that they should contact the Department of Work and Income to find out about the Invalids Benefit, and how the regulations apply.

New Zealand Superannuation (Age Pension)

Australian citizens or former residents (including New Zealanders returning after living in Australia) may be eligible for an age pension if they meet eligibility criteria. Because the circumstances of every individual are different, it is recommended that they should contact the Department of Work and Income to find out about the age pension, and how the regulations apply.

For all Social Security enquiries contact:

Department of Work and Income
PO Box 27 178
Wellington
NEW ZEALAND

Telephone: +64 - (0)9 - 913 0300
Facsimile: +64 - (0)4 - 918 0157
Website: www.winz.govt.nz