Apply for NZ Superannuation

NZ Superannuation is a payment available to eligible New Zealand citizens and residents who are 65 or older.

You need to apply for NZ Superannuation (NZ Super). You do not automatically get it once you turn 65.

Who can get NZ Super

If you’re aged 65 years or older you may be able to get NZ Super payments and a SuperGold card.

NZ Super is not based on your income. Check the Work and Income website to find out who can get it.

If you do not qualify for NZ Super, there’s other financial help you may be able to get.

If you cannot get NZ Super or other benefits

Changes to residence criteria for NZ Super

To qualify for NZ Super you need to have lived in NZ for the required number of years, from age 20. The required time is gradually increasing — from 10 to 20 years.

The increase is calculated based on your date of birth and will affect you if you turn 65 between and .

If you’ll turn 65 after , the required number of years to qualify, from age 20, will be 20 years.

Change to residence criteria for NZ Super and Veteran’s Pension — Work and Income

Veteran’s pension

The Veteran’s pension is similar to NZ Super, but has some additional benefits.

You may be able to apply for a Veteran’s Pension if you:

  • are 65 or older
  • meet the residence criteria for NZ Super
  • served in the NZ Armed Forces on qualifying operational service.

Apply for a Veteran’s pension

Get NZ Super overseas

You may be able to get NZ Super while living overseas. The rules are complex and depend on which country you’ll live in.

Check Work and Income’s website to see whether you can still get NZ Super while overseas. The ‘How much you can get’ section has information about arrangements NZ has with other countries.

Living overseas if you get NZ Super — Work and Income

When to apply for NZ Super

You can apply now for NZ Super if either:

  • your 65th birthday is in the next 12 weeks, or
  • you’re already 65.

If you’re 64 and you’re not turning 65 in the next 12 weeks, you need to come back and apply when your birthday is in the next 12 weeks.

Apply now for NZ Super

Visit the Work and Income website to apply.

Apply for NZ Super

Cook Islands, Niue or Tokelau

If you live in the Cook Islands, Niue or Tokelau, you need to complete and sign an application form and provide some supporting documents.

How to apply if you live in the Cook Islands, Niue or Tokelau — Work and Income

Who to contact for more help

If you need more help or have questions about the information or services on this page, contact one of the following agencies.

Utility links and page information

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