The Revenue Minster says the government knew some people living overseas would get the Cost of Living payment, when it was announced.

People earning $70,000 or less, who aren't on a benefit, will receive the first of three $116 instalments today.

But some New Zealanders living overseas and former migrants are also getting it.

Minister David Parker says they're New Zealand taxpayers, and the alternative was not making the payment at all.

He says the only other way to get around it was to make everyone eligible apply and the admin involved in that would have been a huge waste of money.

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