New Zealand Superannuation

The new residence criteria for NZ Super affect people turning 65 from 1 July 2024.

Who can get NZ Super

If you want to apply for New Zealand Superannuation (NZ Super), you need to meet certain criteria.

You can read about the criteria on our 'Who can get NZ Super' page. Or you can use our step-by-step guide.

Apply for NZ Super

You can apply now if either:

You can apply online through MyMSD, unless you live overseas.

Living overseas

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

If you live in another country, call us or email our International Services team. We'll check if you qualify and let you know how to apply.

How much you can get for NZ Super

New Zealand Superannuation (NZ Super) is paid fortnightly on a Tuesday. How much you get depends on your situation and what tax code you use.

Get other income

If you or your partner get other income as well as NZ Super, it may change the tax code you use. This means you could get less for your NZ Super payments, it depends what tax code you're on.

Payment dates for NZ Super

NZ Superannuation is paid fortnightly on a Tuesday. Find out what dates you get paid in 2023.

If something changes while getting NZ Super

There are obligations you need to meet while getting NZ Super. If you don't do them, your payment could reduce or stop.

This includes telling us about any changes that might affect what you're entitled to or how much you get paid.

For example, this could be changes to your:

If you get other income

You can work while you get NZ Super. It doesn't depend on your income or your assets. However any income you do earn can affect other payments you get from us, e.g. Accommodation Supplement.

If you get other income, it may also change the tax code you use. This means you could get less for your NZ Super payments, it depends what tax code you're on.

Have a partner included in your NZ Super

If you have a partner and they're included in your NZ Super, there are things they'll need to do as well.

Going overseas

If you get NZ Super and go overseas, you may still be able to be paid. It depends if you're going overseas for a holiday or going to live overseas.

Overseas pensions

You or your partner may qualify for a pension from another country - this is called an overseas pension. If you or your partner do qualify for an overseas pension, it may affect payments you get from us.

Someone getting NZ Super dies

If someone who was getting NZ Super dies, you can tell us by either: