Moving to Melbourne with special needs child?
We are moving to melbourne next year. Our 8 yo Daughter has down syndrome and attends a main stream school with the support of a funded teacher aide. Will she be entitled to something similar under this recipricol agreement between the countries?
Hmm I'm not 100% sure on this one. On the one hand Centrelink says that New Zealanders generally cannot claim disability support payments, as you need to be a permanent resident to get these. http://www.centrelink.gov.au/internet/internet.nsf/payments/dsp_residence.htm
However, the NZEmbassy says that these payments might be able to continue with the reciprocal agreement: http://www.nzembassy.com/australia/nzers-overseas/living-in-australia/social-security-entitlements-for-nzers
I would definitely suggest contacting Centrelink to clarify your daughter's eligibility before making the move.
All the best!