Retired and Going Overseas

If you’re already receiving New Zealand Superannuation or Veteran’s Pension you need to apply to receive your payments overseas before you leave New Zealand (except if you’re going to live in Australia). This will ensure continuity of your payments.

The amount you’ll receive may depend on the country you’re going to and how long you’ve lived in New Zealand.

If you live in New Zealand and are planning on living or travelling overseas, you’ll need to arrange a meeting with us at least 4-6 weeks before you leave. To do this, call us free on our New Zealand Superannuation line 0800 552 002.

You (and your partner) will need to bring your passport (including expired passports), another form of identification (eg birth certificate, drivers licence) and your travel itinerary or tickets. You’ll need these to help complete an application form for payment overseas.

When applying for New Zealand payment from a country we have a Social Security Agreement with, contact the office of the overseas social security agency (see page 24 for contact details) for a New Zealand application form. Please apply as soon as possible as payments may not be back-dated. If you’ve moved to Australia to live, please check the specific rules for applying from that country.

Unless you’re going to a country which we have a Social Security Agreement with, you can’t keep getting your New Zealand payments if you leave New Zealand temporarily (for 26 weeks or less), then change your mind and choose to live there.