Applying for New Zealand Superannuation

When you should apply

The date you apply is important because it affects when your payments start.

It's important you apply two to three weeks before your birthday, so we can start your payments, if you qualify, from the date you turn 65.

If you apply after you turn 65 and qualify, we can only pay you from the date you apply. 

If you think your application may be delayed, contact us on 0800 552 002.

If you are living in New Zealand, and planning to go overseas, you need to contact us about applying four to six weeks before you leave.

Note: if you don't live in New Zealand, you need to contact us to discuss your situation.  

How to apply

When you complete your application form online you will get:

• an application reference number
• a set of 'next steps' instructions - this will include a list of documents you need to provide us with
• a confirmation email with these details (Note – you need to tick that you want a confirmation email when you complete the online application form.).

OR

Call us on 0800 552 002 to arrange an appointment

We’ll tell you what you need to bring. This includes a completed application form. You can download this form or we can send you one after you call us.

The partner application form is only to be completed if your partner doesn’t qualify for New Zealand Superannuation in their own right and is being included in your New Zealand Superannuation payments.

Currently on a benefit

If you are currently on a main benefit you may prefer to use the shortened paper application form.

Main benefits are: Domestic Purposes Benefit, DPB caring for sick and infirm, DPB Woman Alone, Emergency Benefit, Invalids Benefit, Sickness Benefit (including Sickness benefit hardship), Unemployment Benefit (including UB Hardship, UB Training), Widows Benefit, NZ Super (as a Non-Qualified Spouse).

If you’re deaf, hearing impaired or find it hard to communicate by phone you may:

• send a message to our Deaf Link free fax 0800 621 621
• send a message via the Teletypewriter telephone (TTY) on 0800 111 113
• email us on MSD_Deaf_Services@msd.govt.nz

Providing us with identifying documents

Documents can be originals or certified copies.

We can only accept copies of identifying documents, when they are:

• physical copies of the documents that have been originally sighted, dated and signed by a Work and Income staff member that is on the client's file or
• copies of documents that have been certified as a true copy by a Solicitor/Lawyer, Notary Public, Registrar of the Court or Justice of the Peace. The person must see the original document and must provide the following on the copy:
  • his/her name in print
  • position/title (must be one of the professions above)
  • date the certified true copy was made
  • address and telephone number of the person certifying the document
  • signature of the person certifying the document
  • the stamp or wording indicating 'this photo copy is a true copy of the original document which has not been altered in any way', or wording of similar effect, is to be printed or written on the photocopy.

How long do you have to complete your application?

You have 20 working days to complete your application from when you either submit your application online or contact us to apply (whichever is the earliest date). If you don’t do this, you may have to reapply.

This means:

• providing a completed signed application along with all the required supporting information - you will also need to know how to provide us with identifying documents
• attending an appointment if necessary.

If you can’t complete your application within 20 working days for any reason, contact us.