Plain language law

New Zealand law explained for everyone

Social Security Act 2018

Assistance - Introduction

19: General limitation on receiving benefit: persons unlawfully resident or present in New Zealand and persons holding temporary entry class visa

You could also call this:

“No benefit for people living in New Zealand illegally or on temporary visas”

You cannot receive a benefit if you are living in New Zealand illegally or if you are only in New Zealand on a temporary visa. This means that to get a benefit, you need to be a citizen, permanent resident, or have a special type of visa that allows you to stay in New Zealand long-term.

There is an exception to this rule, which is explained in section 205 of the Social Security Act. This section might allow some people to receive benefits even if they don’t meet the usual requirements.

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View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM6783143.

Topics:
Money and consumer rights > Savings and retirement
Immigration and citizenship > Visas
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Part 2 Assistance
Introduction

19General limitation on receiving benefit: persons unlawfully resident or present in New Zealand and persons holding temporary entry class visa

  1. A person is not entitled or eligible to receive a benefit if the person is—

  2. unlawfully resident or present in New Zealand; or
    1. lawfully resident or present in New Zealand but only by virtue of holding a temporary entry class visa.

      1. This section is subject to section 205.

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