NZ Super Rates – How Much Is New Zealand Superannuation?
New Zealand Superannuation Rates (1 April 2025)
At the age of 65, New Zealanders can receive a fortnightly payment from the government under a universal public pension scheme.
What is New Zealand Superannuation?
New Zealand Superannuation, also known as NZ Super, is not income or asset tested. This means your assets, income level and homeownership status won’t affect your eligibility.
What are the standard rates?
Below are the current superannuation rates after tax has been deducted at rate 'M'.
For other tax codes, please visit the Work and Income website.
|
Qualifying as |
Weekly rate |
|
Single (living alone) |
$538.42 |
|
Single (sharing) |
$497.00 |
|
Married, civil union or de facto couple one partner qualifies (and the other is not included) |
$414.17 |
|
Married, civil union or de facto couple: both partners qualify |
$828.34 |
|
Married, civil union or de facto couple: one partner qualifies and the other is included |
$787.58 |
Do the rates ever change?
Yes! The level of NZ Super payments is determined by the government and reviewed annually. The rates are adjusted each year on 1 April to account for increases in the cost of living (inflation) and changes in average wages.
Can you live on the NZ Super payment alone?
Not quite...
While receiving NZ Super is a great start, the average gap between NZ Super and what retirees spend in retirement can be as much as $952 a week according to the 2025 Massey University Fin-Ed Centre’s Retirement Expenditure (REGs) Guidelines.
The 2025 REGs found that even those who live on their own with a 'no frills' lifestyle in the provinces need to supplement their NZ Super payments by more than $42 a week.
For many people, NZ Super is unlikely to provide them with the lifestyle they were hoping for in retirement.
It's clear that for many Kiwis, NZ Super alone is just not enough. Retirees need to have a clear plan in place to bridge the income gap in retirement.
How much would you get a fortnight with Lifetime?
What is a retirement income gap?
A retirement income gap occurs when the money you receive from your pension (NZ Super), isn't enough to cover all your living expenses once you've stopped working. Will you have a retirement income gap? Learn more
Closing the retirement income gap
Lifetime Retirement Income is dedicated to empowering Kiwis to achieve the retirement income they desire for the fulfilling retirement they’ve earned. Whether you’ve built up retirement savings or own a mortgage-free home, Lifetime is here to help you establish a steady, reliable income stream. This ensures you can embrace the lifestyle you’ve always dreamed of.
- Lifetime Income: Our flagship drawdown solution, the Lifetime Retirement Income Fund, provides a reliable, tax-paid, retirement income designed to last your lifetime.
- Lifetime Home: Our debt-free home equity release model provides a reliable and steady income stream for those aged 70 plus, ensuring you can enjoy a comfortable retirement.
- Retirement Income Calculator: Looking to supplement your NZ Superannuation for a more comfortable retirement? One of our retirement income solutions may be right for you. Estimate your retirement income today. Click to Try.
Frequently asked questions about NZ Super
Can I receive NZ Super if I’m still working?
Yes. NZ Superannuation is not income-tested. However, it might affect the tax you have to pay on your combined income.
However, if your spouse or partner doesn’t qualify for NZ Super and you chose to include them in your payments, before 9 November 2020, this may impact how much NZ Super you receive.
You can learn more here about how other payments, including overseas pensions, affect NZ Superannuation.
Who's eligible for the NZ Super?
- To be eligible for NZ Super, you need to be aged 65 or over and be a legal resident of New Zealand. (You can receive the NZ Super even if you’re still working)
- You need to have lived in New Zealand for 10 years since age 20. Starting in July 2024, however, this residency requirement is gradually increasing to 20 years by July 2042
- You'll need to have lived in New Zealand, the Cook Islands, Niue or Tokelau (or a combination of these) for 20 years since age 20, with 5 of those years from age 50 or older
- It’s important to remember that NZ Super may be different in years to come in terms of who gets it and when
- The government’s Work and Income department has detailed information on exactly who can apply to receive NZ Super and how you go about it
How do I apply for NZ Super?
If your 65th birthday is in the next 12 weeks or you’re already 65, then you’re ready to apply. You can find out about how to apply and the documentation you’ll need at Work and Income.
When is NZ Super paid?
NZ Superannuation payments are made every second Tuesday, or earlier if there is a public holiday. You can find the exact dates here.
I have lots of other questions. Where should I go?
Work and Income should be your first port of call for all information relating to the New Zealand Superannuation scheme.