Frequently asked questions
Here are some answers to questions VANZ is often asked by veterans:
If I die before my wife, does she get my pension? What other entitlements are there for her?
The War Disablement Pension is a pension for veterans only. When the veteran passes away, the entitlement ends.
The surviving spouse, civil union partner or de facto partner, who was in a relationship with the veteran at the time of the veteran’s death, may be eligible for a Surviving Spouse pension if:
- the death of the late veteran is deemed to be attributable to his or her service as a member of the Forces; or
- the veteran was in receipt of a permanent War Disablement Pension of 70% or more at the time of death; or
- it is deemed that the veteran could have received a permanent pension of 70% or more had he or she not died.
If VANZ was providing home help to the veteran before they die then VANZ may be able to continue to cover these costs for 6 months following the death of the veteran. This should be discussed with the veteran’s case manager.
VANZ may also be able to assist with funeral costs for the veteran, if the veterans death was due to service or, if the veteran was receiving, or could have been receiving 70% permanent pension a the time of death.
If the veteran has no entitlement to a funeral grant under these categories then they may be entitled to a funeral grant if they died in indigent circumstances. This means that at the time of death the veteran had limited income. In order to pay a funeral grant under this category, assets and income need to be assessed.
Can I be buried with my husband in the services cemetery?
Yes
Can you send me my service records?
Service records can be requested directly from New Zealand Defence Force Archives. These are issued free of charge if they are your own records. To obtain your service records write to: NZDF Archives, Personnel Enquiries, Trentham Military Camp, Private Bag 905, Upper Hutt, or fax 04 527 5275. All requests must be in writing. Please include the full name that you served under, your service number if you have it, which service you were with and dates you were enlisted. Or complete the online form on the NZDF website www.nzdf.mil.nz, then go into personnel records/NZDF Archives.
Will you pay for my hearing aid batteries?
If you have hearing aids provided by VANZ, you will automatically be paid a weekly battery allowance as part of your War Disablement Pension.
I need to see a Podiatrist but it isn’t on my treatment card - can you help?
If you need to see a Podiatrist, please tell your case manager. They will advise whether or not VANZ can assist with the cost.
I have skin cancer as an accepted condition and need to see a skin specialist - do I need prior approval?
If you need treatment for an accepted condition and the treatment is likely to cost less than $2,500 you do not need prior approval.
If the treatment is likely to cost more than $2,500, or if you will be placed under general anaesthetic for the treatment you need prior approval. Please contact your case manager. They will be able give approval, or advise if further information is required.
I’m moving to Australia – who will take care of my affairs there?
VANZ will continue to pay your War Disablement Pension. You can continue to work through your VANZ case manager or work through the Australian Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA). DVA liaises with New Zealand veterans who live in Australia on VANZ behalf.
Before you leave we recommend that you contact International Services at MSD to discuss what happens to your Veterans Pension, NZ Super or other entitlements.