Budget fact sheets 2005 - single rates of New Zealand Superannuation for married people

The Government is investing more than $6 million per annum from 1 July 2006 to extend eligibility to the higher single rate of NZ Super to all married superannuitants with a partner in long-term residential care.

The funding will also extend eligibility of the Living Alone Payment to married superannuitants so long as they meet other criteria.

Currently payment of the higher single rate of NZ Super (and if they qualify a Living Alone Payment) is generally limited to married superannuitants whose partner is receiving a Residential Care Subsidy.

This initiative also covers people receiving Veterans’ Pensions as the provisions of the Veterans’ Pension usually mirror those for New Zealand Superannuation.

This initiative will result in approximately 2,000 superannuitants becoming entitled to the higher single rate of NZ Super and if they qualify, a Living Alone Payment. The partner in long-term residential care will continue to receive half of the married rate of NZ Super.