Hi there, my mum recently emigrated to NZ from UK and is currently living with us. She is 62 years old, a UK citizen, and now an NZ permanent resident. She has a UK pension statement that says she is eligible for UK pension in June 2016 (she will be 63) for the full amount (which is yet to be determined as they are confirming that in April 2016).
I have several questions -
1. can she get this transferred to NZ at this time, even though the NZ pension doesn't start until a person reaches 65?
2. When she reaches 65, will it click over to the NZ pension amount?
3. If she is still living with us at that time, will that affect the amount? (I would rather she lived independently and don't want the fact she is staying with us now adversely affect her pension)
4. She is currently getting a UK widows pension transferred fortnightly to her UK bank account - do you know if that can be paid to NZ account instead? (Without losing $ on exchange rates and fees)
5. Should I contact winz about these questions, or go to a pension advisor? Any recommendations for pension advisor? I have never stepped foot in a winz office before and not sure what to expect - I am particularly wary of having the current living situation be put on file and have this adversely affect the future, if that makes sense.....
Thanks in advance for any assistance....