From April 1, 2025, the New Zealand Superannuation (NZ Super) payments will increase under the Annual General Adjustment clause due to changes in the cost of living and wage growth. The article provides in-depth details about the updated payment amounts, their payment dates, eligibility criteria, and ways to check your payment status.
Updated NZ Super Payment Amounts
Starting from April 1, 2025, adjustment of NZ Super rates due to inflation and wage growth will come into force. The updated fortnightly payment amounts, after tax (M tax code), are as follows:
The payment for a single person living alone will increase to approximately $1,038.94 per fortnight. Single individuals sharing accommodation will receive around $959.02. Couples where both partners qualify will receive a combined payment of about $1,598.36.
If only one partner qualifies, the payment per person will be around $799.18. With these adjustments, NZ Super payments now remain at 66% of the net average wage so as to safeguard the purchasing power of retirees.
NZ Super Payment Dates for April 2025
Payments of the NZ Super are made every second Tuesday. For April 2025, the payment dates will be April 8, 2025, and April 22, 2025. Because April 22 comes close to Easter Monday, payments will be made earlier on Saturday, April 19.
Payments will be directly credited to the bank account nominated at application. If an NZ Super payment date happens to fall on a public holiday, NZ Super will therefore pay on the preceding working day, to avoid any delay in receipt.
Eligibility Criteria for NZ Superannuation
To receive NZ Super in 2025, you should meet these requirements;
- Must be aged 65 years and over; Must be a New Zealand citizen, permanent resident, or holder of a residence-class visa; Must be ordinarily resident in New Zealand, Cook Islands, Niue, or Tokelau; Must have lived in New Zealand for at least 10 years after the age of 20, of which at least 5 years must have been after the age of 50.
- There may be changes in residency requirements in future budgets. Always check Work and Income NZ for the latest policy information.
How to Check Your Payment Status
For verification of their NZ Super payment status, beneficiaries can log into their MyMSD accounts to view payment information, update personal information, and manage payments. The self-service line can also be called at 0800 33 30 30 for recorded information concerning payments. For inquiries or clarifications, they must connect directly with Work and Income.
Other Available Support
In addition to the NZ Super payments, there are further means of support by way of the Winter Energy Payment, which caters to winter heating costs. This payment automatically gets added to your NZ Super payments, where applicable. Next in line is the Accommodation Supplement intended to help cover housing costs where rent, board, or mortgage payments exceed a certain limit. Refer here for information regarding these and other supports.