NZ Super Eligibility Calculator 2026
Check if you are eligible for New Zealand Superannuation in 2026 — age 65 minimum, 10-year residency since age 20 (5 years since age 50), and current fortnightly payment rates from Work and Income.
| Age check (must be 65+) | — |
| 10-year NZ residency since age 20 | — |
| 5-year NZ residency since age 50 (from July 2024) | — |
| Fortnightly payment rate | — |
| Annual NZ Super (gross) | — |
| After Section 70 overseas-pension deduction | — |
What Is NZ Superannuation?
NZ Superannuation (commonly called NZ Super) is a non-means-tested fortnightly payment from the New Zealand government to people aged 65 and over who meet the residency requirements. Unlike Australian Age Pension or UK State Pension, NZ Super is NOT means-tested — your other income, KiwiSaver balance, savings, or assets do not reduce the payment. The only deduction comes via Section 70 of the Social Security Act 2018, which offsets overseas pensions you also receive (source: Work and Income NZ).
To qualify in 2026, you must: (1) be aged 65 or older, (2) be a NZ citizen, permanent resident, or hold a residence-class visa, (3) live in NZ when you apply, AND (4) have lived in NZ for at least 10 years since age 20, with at least 5 of those years since age 50 (the "5-year-after-age-50" rule was fully phased in from 1 July 2024 — earlier applicants needed less). Time spent in countries with NZ social-security agreements (Australia, UK, Canada, Ireland, Netherlands, Greece, Denmark, Jersey, Guernsey, Malta) may count toward the residency requirement.
2026 Fortnightly Payment Rates
NZ Super rates are reviewed each April based on average wage growth. The 2025-2026 fortnightly rates (after-tax at the standard M code, with no overseas pension deduction) are approximately: Single, living alone — $1,038.94 net; Single, sharing — $958.50 net; Couple (both qualify, each) — $799.00 net; Couple (only one qualifies, partner not included) — $799.00 net for qualifier; Couple (only one qualifies, partner included) — $799.00 + $759.06 = $1,558.06 net combined. These rates rise each April; the 1 April 2026 review will adjust amounts based on Q1 2026 wage data (source: Work and Income benefit rates).
Net amounts depend on your tax code. Most retirees use the M (primary) code, but if you have other taxable income (a part-time job, rental property, dividends), you must use S, SH, ST, or SA on the secondary income, which is taxed at higher rates. The fortnightly NZ Super itself is taxed at ordinary income tax rates — there is no special "pensioner allowance" in NZ tax law.
Section 70 — Overseas Pension Offset
If you also receive a government-funded overseas pension (UK State Pension, Australian Age Pension, US Social Security, Canadian CPP, Irish State Pension), Section 70 of the Social Security Act 2018 reduces your NZ Super by the amount of the overseas pension. The deduction applies dollar-for-dollar after currency conversion, even if you have already paid contributions into both systems. This is one of the most controversial aspects of NZ Super and is a major issue for migrants who paid into multiple national schemes during their working life.
Critical exception: the new Australia-NZ Social Security Agreement (in effect from 2025) coordinates Age Pension and NZ Super differently — the offset rules are altered for trans-Tasman retirees. Always verify current Section 70 treatment with Work and Income before assuming a particular outcome (source: Work and Income overseas pensions).
How to Apply and What Happens After 65
You can apply for NZ Super up to 12 weeks before your 65th birthday. Apply online via MyMSD, by phone (0800 552 002), or in person at any Work and Income office. Documents needed: passport / NZ citizenship certificate, proof of NZ residency (rates bills, bank statements, employer letters covering all years), bank account details, and IRD number. First payments arrive within 4-6 weeks of approval and are paid fortnightly, on Tuesdays, into your nominated bank account.
For other NZ retirement tools, see our KiwiSaver retirement income calculator, NZ Super rate calculator, and Working for Families calculator.
Last updated April 2026. Estimates only — confirm current rates and eligibility with Work and Income at workandincome.govt.nz. Sources: Work and Income, Social Security Act 2018.