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Does MSD deduct the lump sum bereavement payment paid by the Australian government from the payments to Australians resident in New Zealand and receiving New Zealand Superannuation payments; or is that payment excluded from the definition of an overseas pension under s 187 of the Social Security Act because it not an allowance which may be paid under the New Zealand system?

Answered Question 421 (2026)
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Asked by

Duncan Webb

Member for Christchurch Central · Labour Party

Question

  • Does MSD deduct the lump sum bereavement payment paid by the Australian government from the payments to Australians resident in New Zealand and receiving New Zealand Superannuation payments; or is that payment excluded from the definition of an overseas pension under s 187 of the Social Security Act because it not an allowance which may be paid under the New Zealand system?

Answered by

Hon Louise Upston

Member for Taupō · National Party · Minister for Social Development and Employment

Answer

I am advised by the Ministry of Social Development (the Ministry) that the Bereavement Payment (Centrelink) is directly deductible under section 187 of the Social Security Act, and the Bereavement Payment (Veterans) is not directly deductible under section 187 of the Social Security Act.