The New Zealand Pension Increase 2025, named NZ Superannuation, is a retirement income that is provided to citizens who are at least 65 years old. It is financial aid from the government to help senior citizens cover the essential costs of living. However, it is not enough to be dependent on; you can pair it with other retirement funds launched by the government to retire confidently.
NZ Pension Increase 2025
This pension was launched by the New Zealand Superannuation and Retirement Act 2001 to provide monetary help to retirees to cover their basic expenses. It is paid fortnightly on a Tuesday.
Factors Affecting the New Zealand Pension 2025
There are several factors by which your NZ pension amount may be affected. Some of them depend on partnership status and different circumstances:
- Single and living alone
- Single and sharing with others
- Married
- In a relationship
- Whether or not you receive any overseas pension
- Your tax code
Eligibility Criteria for New Zealand Pension 2025
- Age Criteria: To be eligible for the New Zealand Pension 2025, an individual must be at least 65 or older.
- Citizenship: An individual must be a permanent citizen of New Zealand.
- Residency: If not a permanent citizen, the individual must at least fulfil the residency criteria.
- Have lived in New Zealand for at least 10 years since the age of 20.
- Have lived in New Zealand for at least 5 years since the age of 50.
How to Apply for New Zealand Pension 2025?
It is not mandatory to be 65 to apply for the New Zealand Super. You can apply up to 12 weeks before turning 65 or after anytime you’re already 65. You have 20 days to complete this application procedure after contacting Work and Income. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply for NZ Super:
Get a Client Number
If you have previously interacted with Work and Income, you may already have a client number. If you do not have one, please fill out the online form to request a client number.
Register or Log In to myMSD
Complete your application online through MyMSD. You will need to provide your banking information and personal details, as well as your partner’s information if you were not born in New Zealand.
Submit Supporting Documents
After submitting your application, carefully follow the instructions provided. You may need to upload additional supporting documents.
Sign and Send Your Form
Sign the application form and follow the instructions to return it as directed.
How To Ensure You Received All Your Entitlements?
Once approved, Work and Income will automatically issue you a SuperGold Card, which provides access to discounts and offers from businesses across New Zealand.
Payments
Your New Zealand Superannuation (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 can offer better benefits. For more information, check Work and Income’s Veteran Pension guide.
Keep Working
You are allowed to work while receiving NZ Super.
Report Changes
It is important to notify Work and Income about any changes regarding 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.
New Zealand Pension 2025 Increased Amount
Payment Rate if You’re Single
| Your Living Situation | M | S (17.5%) | SH (30%) | ST (33%) | SA (39%) |
| Living alone or with a dependent child | $1,043.24 | $1,001.24 | $849.74 | $813.38 | $740.66 |
Live with someone who’s either:
|
$963.32 | $921.32 | $781.82 | $748.26 | $681.38 |
Payment Rate if You Have a Partner
| Your Living Situation | M | S (17.5%) | SH (30%) | ST (33%) | SA (39%) |
| You and your partner both meet the criteria for NZ Pension 2025 | $803.48 each | $761.48 each | $646.22 each | $618.56 each | $563.24 each |
| Only one of you meets the criteria for NZ Pension 2025 | $803.48 | $761.48 | $646.22 | $618.56 | $563.24 |
New Zealand Pension Upcoming Payment Dates
| Month | Payment Date |
| January | Tuesday 14
Tueday 28 |
| February | Tuesday 11
Tuesday 25 |
| March | Tuesday 11
Tuesday 25 |
| April | Tuesday 08
Tuesday 22 (paid Saturday 19 April due to Easter Monday) |
| May | Tuesday 06
Tuesday 20 |
| June | Tuesday 03 (paid Saturday 31 May due to King’s birthday)
Tuesday 17 |
| July | Tuesday 1
Tuesday 15 Tuesday 29 |
| August | Tuesday 12
Tuesday 26 |
| September | Tuesday 09
Tuesday 23 |
| October | Tuesday 07
Tuesday 21 |
| November | Tuesday 05
Tuesday 18 |
| December | Tuesday 2
Tuesday 16 Tuesday 30 |
How to Find Your Tax Code?
If you don’t know what tax code you should be on, go to Island Revenue’s website given here: Island Revenue.
Challenges with New Zealand Pension 2025
It is found in December 2024 research from the Retirement Commission that many retirees, both singles and couples, relying solely on New Zealand Super as their primary income, face challenges like:
Covering Essential Costs: While New Zealand Superannuation (NZ Super) provides a basic income, it often falls short of covering essential expenses like rent, utilities, groceries, and other necessities, particularly in areas with a high cost of living.
Supplementing Income: Many retirees find it necessary to take on part-time work or tap into additional savings to cover their lifestyle expenses.
Tax Implications: It’s important to understand the tax code that applies when NZ Super is the sole source of income, as opposed to having supplementary earnings. Our guide to tax codes and PAYE tax rates provides essential information on this topic.