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Purpose: To enable the transfer of applications for benefits and pensions, and advise of changes in circumstances between New Zealand and Malta.
Malta disclosure to MSD: includes full name, date of birth, marital status, address, entitlement information and Maltese Identity Card and Social Security numbers.
MSD disclosure to Malta: includes full name, date of birth, marital status, address, entitlement and New Zealand Client Number.
Compliance: Compliant.
| Authorising provisions | Social Security Act 2018, s.380 and Social Welfare (Reciprocity with Malta) Order 2013 |
| Year authorised | 2013 |
| Year commenced | 2013 |
| Programme type | Confirming eligibility |
| Unique identifiers | Maltese Identity Card and Social Security numbers and NZ social welfare numbers |
When a person first applies in New Zealand for a pension and indicates possible entitlement to a Maltese pension, MSD forward the appropriate completed forms and supporting documents (or confirmed copies) to the Maltese Department of Social Security. When MSD receive confirmation back from Malta, the client's record can be updated in SWIFTT. Changes in eligibility with potential adverse consequences will cause SWIFTT to generate a notice of adverse action under the authorising law (under the Social Security Regulations 2018 sections 243 or 244 - similar to a s.181 notice). This is sent to the affected individuals enabling them to correct any mismatch and confirm their entitlements.
| 2019/20 | 2020/21 | 2021/22 | 2022/23 | |
| NZ residents with Maltese pensions (as at July) | 14 | 15 | 15 | 15 |
| NZ Superannuation recipients living in Malta (as at July) | 5 | 5 | 4 | 5 |
| Notices of adverse action | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Challenges | 0 | 0 | 0 |
The utility of this provision was assessed in a report: Ministry of Social Development international social welfare reciprocity agreements (July 2019).
