NEW ZEALAND SUPERANNUATION
New Zealand Superannuation Rates 2025
- Updated
NZ Super is a government-funded pension for New Zealand citizens and residents aged 65 and older. It supplements retirement income and is funded by current taxpayers to help retirees maintain their standard of living.
How much is NZ Super per fortnight?
NZ Super is paid fortnightly on Tuesdays, with amounts depending on your situation and tax code. For 1 April 2024 – 31 March 2025, fortnightly rates are:
NZ Superannuation Rates
1 April 2024 - 31 March 2025
Paid fortnightly on Tuesdays
- Single, Living Alone $1,038.94
- Single, Sharing $959.02
- Couple (One Qualifying) $799.18
- Couple (Both Qualifying) $1,598.36
NZ Superannuation Rates 2024 - 2025 Comparison
1 April 2023 - 31 March 2024
1 April 2024 - 31 March 2025
- All rates shown after tax at 'M' tax code
- 'Single, Living Alone' rate includes Living Alone Payment
- Annual amounts are based on 52 weeks
- Couple rates are per couple (divided equally for couples where both qualify)
- Rates may be affected by other income and individual circumstances

NZ Super and Your Partner
How much NZ Superannuation you receive depends on your living arrangements and whether you have a partner.
When applying for NZ Super, you must inform Work and Income if you are married, in a civil union, or in a de facto relationship, regardless of your partner’s gender.
This is because the amount you get is different depending on partnership status and whether you’re:
- single and living alone
- single and sharing with others
- in a relationship, and both of you qualify for NZ Super
- in a relationship, but only you qualify for NZ Super.
2025 NZ Super after-tax rates
In 2025, NZ Super rates for pensioners living alone will be $1,038.94 per fortnight, an increase of $46.20 from the previous rate of $992.74. Pensioners who live with housemates will receive $959.02 instead of $916.36, and couples will receive $799.18 instead of $763.64(¹).
The new rates are based on:
- Consumer Price Index (4.66% rise) vs 7.2% increase the year before.
Comparison: NZ Superannuation Rates 2023 after tax
In 2023, due to high inflation, NZ Super rates increased significantly. Starting April 1st, 2023, single pensioners living alone received $992.74 per fortnight (an increase of $66.86 from the 2022 rate of $925.88). Those living with others received $916.36 (up from $854.66), while couples received $763.64 each (up from $712.22).
These increases were based on the 7.2% Consumer Price Index figure from that period, reflecting the high inflation environment of 2022-2023. As we approach 2025, these rates will have been adjusted further based on more recent inflation figures.
Upcoming NZ Super Payments
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What is New Zealand Superannuation?
NZ Superannuation is a crucial aspect of New Zealand’s social welfare system, providing funds to seniors to ensure a decent standard of living during their retirement years.
In 1999, the government of New Zealand established the New Zealand Superannuation Fund (NZSF) to help fund future generations’ superannuation or golden years.
During his tenure as Minister of Finance, Hon. Dr Michael Cullen acknowledged that as New Zealand’s population continued to age, the number of people receiving the public pension, New Zealand Superannuation (NZS), would significantly increase over the next few decades compared to the size of the taxpayer population.
In an October 2000 Cabinet paper related to establishing the NZSF, Dr Cullen stated, “By setting aside some Crown resources toward retirement income now, while we can afford it, we will be able to smooth out the cost over time” (New Zealand Treasury, 2000a) (²).
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NZ Super Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for New Zealand Superannuation (NZ Super), you must:
- Be 65 or older
- Be a legal New Zealand resident when you apply
- Meet the residency requirements based on when you turn 65
NZ Super is available when you turn 65 if you’re legally residing in NZ. You can continue working and still receive it.
The residency rules changed in July 2024. Before that, you needed to have lived here for 10 years after age 20. Now, this requirement is gradually increasing until it reaches 20 years in July 2042. The number of years required depends on when you turn 65.
When fully implemented in 2042, you’ll need to have lived in NZ, the Cook Islands, Niue, or Tokelau for 20 years after turning 20. Five of these years must be from age 50 onwards.
KiwiSaver vs NZ Super
NZ Super and KiwiSaver both aim to help with retirement finances, but they work in different ways. NZ Super is a government-funded pension available to eligible seniors, providing a base level of income in retirement.
On the other hand, KiwiSaver is a voluntary retirement savings plan where employees and self-employed individuals contribute during their working years. Think of KiwiSaver as a way to top up your retirement income, giving you more financial security alongside NZ Super.
KiwiSaver, Retirement and Life Insurance
NZ Superannuation provides basic income to cover essential living costs during retirement.
However, it may not be enough for those with higher earnings or lifestyle needs.
KiwiSaver helps fill this gap by building long-term retirement savings.
Life insurance, including income protection, adds another layer of security. These policies provide ongoing income or lump-sum payouts to cover unexpected expenses or boost savings. Together, NZ Super, KiwiSaver, and life insurance create a strong foundation for retirement planning. They ensure financial stability and peace of mind for retirees and their families.
Explore the best life insurance companies in New Zealand to enhance your retirement plan with confidence and security.
Apply for NZ Super
You can apply for NZ Superannuation up to 12 weeks before your 65th birthday – or anytime after if you’re already 65. Once you contact Work and Income, you’ll have 20 days to complete the application process. Here’s how it works:
Step-by-step guide:
1. Get a Client Number
- If you’ve dealt with Work and Income, you may already have a client number.
- If not, fill out the online form to get one.
2. Register or Log in to MyMSD
- Complete your application online.
- You’ll need your banking information and personal details (plus your partner’s if you weren’t born in New Zealand).
3. Submit supporting documents
- Follow the instructions provided after applying. You may need to upload additional documents.
4. Sign and send your form
- Sign the application form and follow the instructions to send it back.
What happens next?
Once approved, Work and Income will automatically issue you a SuperGold Card, giving you access to discounts and offers from businesses across New Zealand.
- Payments: Your NZ Super is paid directly into your bank account every two weeks.
- Veteran’s Pension: If you served in the military during a war or emergency, you may qualify for a Veteran’s Pension, which could provide better benefits. Check Work and Income’s Veteran Pension guide for details.
- Keep Working: You can still work and receive NZ Super.
- Report Changes: Notify Work and Income about changes to your living situation, personal details, or plans to live overseas.
- Partner Updates: If you have a partner, you must also report any changes to their personal or professional status.
By following these steps, you can ensure you get the most out of your entitlements and enjoy the benefits you’ve earned.
FAQ's
How much will I receive in Superannuation payment?
How much superannuation you receive depends on a few circumstances:
- Your marital status
- Your living situation (if you aren’t married)
- Whether or not you receive any overseas pension
- Your tax code
What is the difference between NZ Superannuation and KiwiSaver?
The New Zealand Superannuation is a retirement benefit program funded through the tax revenue collected by the New Zealand government. On the other hand, KiwiSaver is a voluntary savings scheme aimed at helping employees and self-employed individuals save for their retirement during their working years. KiwiSaver complements the New Zealand Superannuation and helps individuals achieve a comfortable retirement.
Does KiwiSaver affect NZ superannuation?
No, your KiwiSaver benefit does not affect your NZ superannuation benefit.
What are the changes to NZ Superannuation 2024?
Superannuation benefits increased on 1 April 2024 by 4.66% compared to the previous year’s Consumer Price Index 7.2% increase.
New Zealand Superannuation benefits are adjusted annually to account for inflation. The increase in 2024 was based on the Consumer Price Index and not the net average wage (5.28% rise). Considering the rapidly rising living costs, thousands of New Zealanders will feel the Superannuation CPI indexation, which isn’t keeping up with living costs.
Do I pay tax on NZ superannuation?
NZ Super is a taxable income. Your tax code will depend on whether you receive only NZ Super or other income. If you receive only NZ Super, your tax code will be ‘M’.
How much can I earn on the pension nz?
There are no income or asset limits that might prevent eligibility, and pension payments continue as long as you live in New Zealand. You can continue to receive New Zealand Superannuation payments while working full-time or part-time after turning 65. However, any income you earn may also change the tax code you use.
Author: Willi Olsen
Meet Willi Olsen, your trusted KiwiSaver adviser and insurance specialist, who brings over 13 years of international experience from Scandinavia and New Zealand. Willi has been deeply immersed in financial services since 2004, holding a Level 5 New Zealand Certificate in Financial Services (NZCFS) specialising in Investments, Life, Health, and Disability.
Since 2017, Willi has built a solid reputation in the New Zealand insurance industry, blending practical insights with professional expertise. As a business owner, he understands the importance of protecting and growing your wealth, helping you make informed decisions for a secure financial future.
Whether you’re looking to optimise your KiwiSaver, protect your income, or plan for long-term retirement success, Willi is here to guide you with clarity and care.
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