Residing in the United Kingdom
You can’t get New Zealand Superannuation or Veteran’s Pension payments if you reside in the United Kingdom, but you may be able to get a United Kingdom State Pension. You’ll need to apply for this in the United Kingdom.
Who can get it
New Zealanders that reside in the United Kingdom can generally use their New Zealand residence to help them meet the residential/contribution criteria for United Kingdom benefits and pensions.
How much can you get?
When you reside in the United Kingdom, you can’t be paid New Zealand Superannuation: these payments will stop from the day after you leave New Zealand.
However, you may qualify for United Kingdom benefits or pensions under the agreement. Your entitlement to a New Zealand benefit or pension or your New Zealand residence can help you meet the residential/contribution criteria for United Kingdom benefits and pensions.
The Pension Service in the United Kingdom decides who can get United Kingdom benefits and pensions and how much will be paid, so if you have any queries about payments, please contact them.
If you get the Living Alone Payment, Disability Allowance or an Accommodation Supplement, these payments will stop from the day after you leave New Zealand.
Note: From 2010, the UK State Pension age for women will increase gradually from 60 to 65 years over a period of 10 years. Men can get the UK State Pension from 65 years of age.
How to apply
You must be in the United Kingdom to apply for United Kingdom benefits and pensions.
If you don’t receive New Zealand Superannuation before leaving New Zealand and you would like the period of your New Zealand residence to be taken into account when applying for United Kingdom benefit or pension, you will need evidence of that time.
This includes tax certificates, employers’ references, wage slips, travel documents, testimonials, work references and letters from neighbours and friends (please provide their contact details).
If you already receive New Zealand Superannuation prior to leaving New Zealand for the United Kingdom, you will need to contact our International Services Team in New Zealand for a letter which will:
- verify that you received New Zealand Superannuation and the date this stopped
- state that you received this payment in your own right (not using another social security agreement to meet the criteria)
For more information contact the United Kingdom Pension Service.
Pension Service contact details
The Pension Service
The International Pension Centre
Tyneview Park
Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE98 1BA
United Kingdom
+44 191 218 7777
+44 191 218 7021
internationalqueries@thepensionservice.gsi.gov.uk
www.thepensionservice.gov.uk
More information
Our International Services team specialise in paying New Zealand benefits and pensions overseas. They are the best people to contact for questions about getting your New Zealand Superannuation or Veteran's Pension while travelling or residing overseas. They can explain the rules so you’ll know what to expect.
