VANZ News Issue 7
Death of a Veteran and Entitlements After Death
War Disablement Pension (WDP)
A WDP is only payable to a veteran. Once a veteran passes away VANZ must be notified as soon as possible, so that the WDP payments can be stopped. This is in order to prevent a large overpayment and a debt which will need to be recovered from the estate of the veteran.
War Funeral Grant (WFG)
If the death of a veteran is found to be caused directly due to their service, a War Funeral Grant will be paid.
A WFG may be paid in other circumstances; however, there needs to be a surviving spouse, partner or dependant child and eligibility criteria such as income and asset tests will need to be considered.
Veterans Pension (VP)
If the veteran is in receipt of a Veterans Pension, they or their partner may be entitled to a Lump Sum Payment. This is administered by the Ministry of Social Development and the Veterans Pension Centre. For queries regarding this, please contact 0800 650 656 from within New Zealand.
Surviving Spouse Pension (SSP)
If a Veteran is on 70% or more WDP when they pass away and the Secretary for War Pensions is satisfied that they have a marriage like relationship, the surviving spouse or partner may be entitled to a Surviving Spouse Pension.
If the Veteran was not in receipt of at least 70% WDP at time of death, the surviving spouse/partner can submit additional medical evidence to be assessed to determine if the veteran may have been able to receive a WDP of at least 70%.
Relationships which have been in place for 1 year or less may not be granted a Surviving Spouse Pension.
If the spouse or partner enters into a new relationship they must contact VANZ to discuss further entitlements.
Parents Allowance
A Parents Allowance may be paid to the surviving spouse or partner of a veteran who has at least one dependant child. If eligible, this may be paid until the child reaches age 16.
Child’s Pension
Generally a Child’s Pension is paid to the child or children of a deceased veteran. This is paid until the child or children turns 16. There are other special circumstances where a child’s pension may be paid
With the exception of the War Funeral Grant, the Allowances and Pensions are paid on a fortnightly basis. These are tax free, and are adjusted with the CPI each year.
Veterans must have qualifying service in order to be eligible for this assistance.