New Zealand Superannuation
Find out all you need to know about NZ Super.
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:
- your 65th birthday is in the next 12 weeks, or
- you're already 65.
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.
Apply for NZ Super from Cook Islands, Niue or Tokelau
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.
Email our International Services team
When you get paid
If you apply before you turn 65 or on the day you turn 65, you will be paid from your 65th birthday.
If you apply after you turn 65, you will be paid from the date you 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.
How much you can get for NZ Super
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 for this year.
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:
Changes when you're getting a benefit or payment
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:
- using our online formexternal, or
- calling us on 0800 552 002.