Related information

Next steps

Log in and:

Is applying online right for you?

• If you're aged 64 years and 9 months or over, and a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, you can apply for your NZ Super and other assistance with this form. This form should only be used if you are applying for NZ Super.

• If you already receive NZ Super and now want to include your spouse/partner who doesn't qualify for NZ Super in their own right, or want to apply for other assistance, contact us for more information on your options.

• If you are currently on a benefit, or included in your spouse/partner’s NZ Super, it will be easier to complete the shortened paper application and then contact us

• Are you a war veteran? You may be entitled to special benefits or pensions

The application process

There are three main steps in the online application process:

1. register and get a username and password (you can use this password for other services)
2. log in and complete the form
3. depending on your circumstances you either have to:
   • print out your form, sign it and post it to us, or
   • make an appointment to discuss your application.

Before you begin

We recommend that you read the following:

To complete your online application you’ll need:

• access to a printer in case you have to print your application
• an email address for us to send confirmation that your application has been received
• your IRD number (Contact Inland Revenue if you don't have it)
• your tax code for NZ Super (Inland Revenue can advise on your tax code)
• your personal/joint bank account number you want your payments paid into
• details of any overseas pension payments you get
• details of any weekly ACC payments you receive.

To include your spouse/partner in your NZ Super payments you need to provide

• the same information above about them, and
• details of income you both may be receiving.

If you apply for other assistance as part of your application for NZ Super, you will need to provide details of your (and your spouse/partner's) income and a breakdown of other costs you have (including debts such as Hire Purchase).

To apply online can take between 30-60 minutes depending on your circumstances. You don't have to do it all at once. You can save where you are and log back in later to complete your form. Partially completed applications will be saved for 60 days.

If you stay on the same screen for more than 15 minutes, you'll be automatically logged out of the application. When you log back in, you’ll be taken to your last saved page.

What happens after you complete the application

Once you've completed your application form online you'll get:

• an application reference number
• a confirmation email with these details if you've requested one (we recommend you do this for your records).
• a set of 'Next steps' instructions as outlined below (this will include documents you need to provide us).

'Next steps'

Print, sign and post

If you are told to print out your application and post it to us you need to:

• print out your application and sign it
• get your spouse/partner to sign it, even if they don't receive NZ Super in their own right and are not included in your NZ Super payments as you have to provide some information about them.
• send the form, with the other documents you need to provide to:
  Senior Services
  Ministry of Social Development
  PO Box 5645
  Lambton Quay
  Wellington 6145

When your submitted application is being processed, you will be contacted by phone to confirm the details you have provided. Please make sure we can reach you during work hours at the phone number you give us.

If you are told to come in and see us you need to:

Contact us to arrange an appointment. When you come in to see us you’ll need to have:

• your application reference number
• your documents as listed in your confirmation email
• the signature of your spouse/partner - if they are not already getting NZ Super in their own right or not being included in your NZ Super payments they must sign your application to confirm the information we’ve asked about them (if your spouse/partner is not coming with you to the appointment, please make sure they have already signed it before you come in).

Start/continue your application

Please make sure you have read the information provided and have everything you need before you begin. It will make applying online easier.

My account

Once your payments start you can view your next payment information by setting up an account using the same username and password you used for your online application.