NZ Superannuation (NZ Super) is the pension paid to people aged 65 and over. The rates went up on 1 April 2026. Here's what each living situation gets, and who qualifies.
NZ Super rates from 1 April 2026
These are fortnightly amounts, as published by Work and Income. The after-tax figure uses tax code M, which most people on NZ Super alone will have.
| Your situation | Before tax | After tax (M) |
|---|---|---|
| Single, living alone (or only with a dependent child) | $1,294.74 | $1,110.30 |
| Single, sharing (living with someone 18 or over) | $1,191.14 | $1,024.90 |
| Couple, both qualify (each) | $984.28 | $854.08 |
| Couple, both qualify (combined) | $1,968.56 | $1,708.16 |
| Couple, only one qualifies | $984.28 | $854.08 |
The sharing rate also applies if someone 13 or over is staying with you for 13 weeks or more. NZ Super is paid fortnightly, on a Tuesday.
If you have other income
If NZ Super is not your main income, you'll use a secondary tax code and get less after tax. Work and Income publishes these fortnightly after-tax amounts:
| Your situation | S (17.5%) | SH (30%) | ST (33%) | SA (39%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single, living alone | $1,068.30 | $906.54 | $867.72 | $790.08 |
| Single, sharing | $982.90 | $834.14 | $798.44 | $727.04 |
| Couple, each | $812.08 | $689.08 | $659.56 | $600.52 |
Which secondary code you use depends on your total income for the year. The thresholds match the NZ tax brackets for 2026–27.
Who can get NZ Super
You must be:
- 65 or older
- a New Zealand citizen, an NZ permanent resident, or hold an NZ residence class visa
- ordinarily resident in New Zealand, the Cook Islands, Niue or Tokelau when you apply
How many years you need to have lived here
You also need to have lived in New Zealand for a set number of years since you turned 20. At least 5 of those years must be after you turned 50. The years don't need to be in a row. The number of years is rising for people turning 65 from 1 July 2024, depending on your date of birth.
| Born | Years needed since age 20 |
|---|---|
| On or before 30 June 1959 | 10 |
| 1 July 1959 – 30 June 1961 | 11 |
| 1 July 1961 – 30 June 1963 | 12 |
| 1 July 1963 – 30 June 1965 | 13 |
| 1 July 1965 – 30 June 1967 | 14 |
| 1 July 1967 – 30 June 1969 | 15 |
| 1 July 1969 – 30 June 1971 | 16 |
| 1 July 1971 – 30 June 1973 | 17 |
| 1 July 1973 – 30 June 1975 | 18 |
| 1 July 1975 – 30 June 1977 | 19 |
| On or after 1 July 1977 | 20 |
How to apply
You can apply once your 65th birthday is 12 weeks away or less, or any time after you turn 65. Apply online through MyMSD unless you live overseas.
- Apply before or on your 65th birthday, and payments start from your birthday.
- Apply after it, and payments start from the date you apply.
Living overseas can affect what you get, and so can an overseas pension. If you live in the Cook Islands, Niue or Tokelau you apply on a signed form. If you live in another country, contact Work and Income's International Services.
Common questions
How much is NZ Super a fortnight?
From 1 April 2026, $1,294.74 before tax for a single person living alone, or $1,110.30 after tax at code M. A couple who both qualify get $984.28 each before tax.
When do NZ Super rates go up?
Every year on 1 April.
What tax code should I use for NZ Super?
Work and Income says that if you only get NZ Super, your tax code will probably be M. If you have other income, check your code against your total income.
Does KiwiSaver stop at 65?
You stop getting the government contribution. If you turn 65 part-way through the year, you get part of it. See the KiwiSaver government contribution.
Sources: Work and Income, How much you can get for NZ Super, Benefit rates at 1 April 2026, Who can get NZ Super, NZ Super and New Zealand Superannuation. Checked October 2026.