With the cost of living going up in New Zealand, prospective retirees have something to anticipate in 2025 in terms of financial aid from an increase in the Old Age Pension, otherwise known as New Zealand Superannuation. The government has revealed changes to superannuation payments from April 1, 2025, to preserve the purchasing power of pensioners in an inflationary environment.
This guide will give you the complete information on how to get NZ Old Age Pension in 2025, including the latest payment rates, the qualification for the Old Age Pension, NZ Key payment days on payment for great pension and how to apply it.
What Is the NZ Old Age Pension?
The NZ Old Age Pension—or officially known as New Zealand Superannuation—is a fortnightly government payment given out to people 65 years and older. Different to other pension systems globally, New Zealand Super is not means of income taxed. This means eligible people can qualify for the payment even if they keep working or have large savings.
The payment is meant to be a basic minimum living standard and is revalued in the April Budget by reference to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and average earnings growth.
Pension increase: What’s New?
In response to inflationary pressures as well as economic changes, the New Zealand Government is moving to increase Superannuation payments from 1 April 2025. The new pre-tax per week rates are:
| Category | Projected Weekly Amount (Before Tax) |
| Single with a dependent child | $578.67 |
| Single living alone | $532.43 |
| Married or de facto couple (each) | $439.79 |
These increases are meant to take into account an increase in the cost of living for basics such as food, housing, and medical care, allowing pensioners to continue to enjoy financial independence.
Who Is Eligible for NZ Pension?
To be qualified for the New Zealand Old Age Pension a candidate needs to meet the following requirements:
- Be 65 years of age or older.
- Be a New Zealand citizen or holder of a New Zealand permanent resident family resident with you.
- Have been resident in New Zealand for at least 10 years after the age of 20.
- Have lived in NZ for no less than 5 years from the age of 50.
Notably, you do not need to be retired to get the payment. You will still qualify for the benefit if you are still working once, you reach age 65.
A migrants may also be qualified if they meet the residency requirements and are able to demonstrate ties to New Zealand through legal documents.
How Much Is the Current NZ Pension?
From April 2025, the payment amounts (before tax) are:
- $578.67 weekly for single pensioners with a dependent child
- $532.43 single pensioners living alone, for weekly.
- $439.79 weekly per person in a couple
Payments are made every second Tuesday and are made automatically to the account of the beneficiary.
Payment Dates: March and April 2025
For planning purposes, the Superannuation payment dates for March and April 2025 are:
- March 12, 2025
- March 26, 2025
- April 9, 2025
- April 23, 2025
If a payment day scheduled coincides with a public holiday the payment is made on the following business day.
Employer Contributions and ESCT Rates in 2025
Apart from the Old Age Pension, a lot of New Zealanders also take advantage of KiwiSaver – a voluntary retirement savings plan that assists individuals in saving for their retirement. Employers must contribute a minimum of 3% of the employee’s gross salary into the employee’s KiwiSaver account.
These contributions are however subject to the Employer Superannuation Contribution Tax (ESCT). The ESCT rates for 2025 are:
| Annual Gross Salary | ESCT Rate |
| $0 to $16,800 | 10.5% |
| $16,801 to $57,600 | 17.5% |
| $57,601 to $84,000 | 30% |
| $84,001 to $216,000 | 33% |
| Over $216,000 | 39% |
This addition will be part of your total retirement income to complement your NZ Super payments.
How to Apply for NZ Superannuation
If you are approaching 65 you can apply for NZ Superannuation from up to 12 weeks before your birthday. MyMSD Online is the simplest way to apply.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Proof of identity (e.g., passport, driver’s license, or birth certificate)
- Bank account number for direct deposit
- IRD number
Applications are then approved and, based on the program, payments are usually made from your 65th birthday, or the date of application—whichever is later.
What is the SuperGold Card?
Once you become eligible for the Old Age Pension, you will also get a SuperGold Card – New Zealand’s free discount and transport card for the over 65.
Benefits include:
- Free public transport during off-peak hours
- Discounts at grocery stores, pharmacies, and entertainment venues
- Reduced travel fares and access to exclusive offers from partner businesses
The card can be applied for online or call the SuperGold website for a phone request.
Additional Support and Healthcare Benefits
One of the benefits of retirement in New Zealand is free or subsidized access to public healthcare. Pensioners are not forced to buy individual health insurance and in good part general medical services are covered.
Also, you may be entitled to additional help such as:
- Accommodation Supplement, when off-peak hours is on (for private/re. rent/cash assistance) and reduced costs for essential services, travel and dining.
- Entertainment, groceries, healthcare on a reduced value
Final Thoughts
New Zealand’s comprehensive pension system is regarded as one of the most comprehensive in the world. There is no need to stop working and or income testing balance is established that older New Zealanders are able to enjoy the basic level of financial security.
The 2025 pension rise is a much-needed boost for pensioners up and down the country, offering a bit of financial security in uncertain economic times. Whether you are about to retire or already receiving Superannuation, becoming aware of changes to payments, Superannuation eligibility and financial planning options will enable you to get the most out of your Golden Years.
FAQs
Eligibility: Must be 65 years old or older.
No. The NZ pension is income non-assessed. You can keep on continuing work and also receive the payment.
Cash Payments are made fortnightly—every second Tuesday—into your chosen bank account
