Find out if you can get NZ Super or Veteran's Pension
Answer the following questions to check if you may meet the criteria for NZ Super or Veteran's Pension.
Residence criteria
The last criteria you need to meet is the residence criteria.
You must have lived in NZ for a certain number of years from age 20. This must include 5 years from age 50.
These years (including the 5 years from age 50) do not need to be consecutive.
Work out how many years you need
Step 1
First, work out the number of years between when you started living in New Zealand and your 65th birthday.
Step 2
Then, work out the number of years you must have lived in NZ based on your date of birth. Use the table below to work this out.
|
Date of birth |
Total number of years you must have lived in NZ |
|---|---|
| On or before 30 June 1959 | 10 years |
| 1 July 1959 - 30 June 1961 | 11 years |
| 1 July 1961 - 30 June 1963 | 12 years |
| 1 July 1963 - 30 June 1965 | 13 years |
| 1 July 1965 - 30 June 1967 | 14 years |
| 1 July 1967 - 30 June 1969 | 15 years |
| 1 July 1969 - 30 June 1971 | 16 years |
| 1 July 1971 - 30 June 1973 | 17 years |
| 1 July 1973 - 30 June 1975 | 18 years |
| 1 July 1975 - 30 June 1977 | 19 years |
| On or after 1 July 1977 | 20 years |
Step 3
Take those 2 numbers and look at which amount is less.
This is the number of years you must have lived in NZ from age 20. This must include 5 years from age 50.
Make a note of this number as you may need it later.
What we mean by 'have lived in NZ'
When we say 'have lived in NZ', we mean you were 'resident' and 'physically present' in NZ at the same time.
If you left NZ to travel overseas, this period may not be counted as having lived in NZ. Read the definition to find out more.
Definition of 'have lived in NZ' for NZ Super and Veteran's Pension