The Guides to Social Policy Law is a collection of publications designed to assist decision makers administering social policy law. The information contained in this publication is intended only as a guide to relevant legislation/policy. The information is accurate as at the date listed at the bottom of the page, but may be subject to change. To discuss individual circumstances please contact Services Australia.

10.2.9.20 Australia to New Zealand & New Zealand to Australia

Moving between Australia & New Zealand

Generally, payments made under the Agreement are portable indefinitely if the person travels between Australia and New Zealand. This means people being paid under the Agreement can travel between Australia and New Zealand without the time restrictions that may apply to autonomous pensioners.

Australia to New Zealand

People paid an Australian benefit under the Agreement who reside in Australia and travel to New Zealand temporarily will continue to have their rate calculated using the inside Australia rate in 10.2.8.30 for a period of 26 weeks. Once they have been in New Zealand for more than 26 weeks, their rate will be calculated using the outside Australia rate in 10.2.8.40.

People paid an Australian benefit under the Agreement who reside in Australia and travel to New Zealand temporarily and intend to remain in New Zealand for more than 12 months, will have their rate calculated using the outside Australia rate as soon as they leave Australia.

People paid under the Agreement who leave Australia permanently will have their rate calculated using the outside Australia rate in 10.2.8.40 as soon as they leave Australia.

New Zealand to Australia

People paid an Australian benefit under the Agreement who reside in New Zealand and travel to Australia temporarily will continue to have their rate calculated using the outside Australia rate in 10.2.8.40 for a period of 26 weeks. Once they have been in Australia for more than 26 weeks, their rate will be calculated using the inside Australia rate in 10.2.8.30.

People paid an Australian benefit under the Agreement who move to Australia permanently from New Zealand, and who do not qualify for an Australian pension autonomously, will have their pension calculated using the inside Australia rate in 10.2.8.40 as soon as they arrive in Australia.

People paid an Australian benefit under the Agreement who reside in New Zealand, travel to Australia temporarily and intend to remain in Australia for more than 12 months, will have their rate calculated using the inside Australia rate as soon as they arrive in Australia.

People not in receipt of an Australian benefit who move permanently from New Zealand to Australia can claim a 'top up' Australian benefit under the Agreement once they:

  • have been lawfully residing in Australia for 26 weeks, or
  • advise they intend to be in Australia for more than 12 months, or
  • meet the criteria for an Australian resident as defined in 3.1.1.10.

To claim a top up Australian benefit the person will be required to claim a New Zealand benefit.

New Zealand to Australia - people in receipt of New Zealand benefit

People who are in receipt of NZS or veteran's pension who travel to Australia must reclaim that benefit within 26 weeks of arriving in Australia. Recipients of New Zealand supported living payment must re-apply for that benefit within 4 weeks of leaving New Zealand.

Act reference: SS(IntAgree)Act Schedule 3 New Zealand

Policy reference: SS Guide 3.1.1.10 Residence requirements

Last reviewed: