School and Year Start-up Payments are open now from Work and Income. People who are caring for children with Orphan’s or Unsupported Child’s Benefit are eligible.
Changes to Residence Criteria for NZ Super/Veteran’s Pension
As you may already know, the residence criteria for getting New Zealand Superannuation (NZ Super) and Veteran’s Pension is changing for people turning 65 from 1 July 2024.
This change is coming into effect because of the New Zealand Superannuation and Retirement Income (Fair Residency) Amendment Act passed in 2021.
Those affected by the new criteria include New Zealanders who have lived overseas, migrants, permanent residents, and people who are recognised as a refugee or protected person.
Those already receiving NZ Super or Veteran’s Pension, or who turn 65 before 1 July, aren’t affected.
New residence criteria
- The number of years people must have lived in NZ since turning 20 is gradually increasing from 10 to 20 years. This still needs to include 5 years from age 50.
- This change is happening gradually for people turning 65 from 1 July 2024, so there’s time to plan.
- The number of years people need is based on their date of birth.
| Date of birth | Number of years you need to have lived in NZ since turning 20 |
| On or before 30 June 1959 | 10 years |
| 1 July 1959 – 30 June 1961 | 11 years |
| 1 July 1961 – 30 June 1963 | 12 years |
| 1 July 1963 – 30 June 1965 | 13 years |
| 1 July 1965 – 30 June 1967 | 14 years |
| 1 July 1967 – 30 June 1969 | 15 years |
| 1 July 1969 – 30 June 1971 | 16 years |
| 1 July 1971 – 30 June 1973 | 17 years |
| 1 July 1973 – 30 June 1975 | 18 years |
| 1 July 1975 – 30 June 1977 | 19 years |
| On or after 1 July 1977 | 20 years |
- People may still be able to meet the residence criteria using the Realm countries (the Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau) or a country that has a social security agreement with NZ.
- The changes are different for people using time spent living in the Realm and for people who are recognised as a refugee or protected person.
More information
- There’s more information on the Work and Income website, including scenarios showing how the changes apply to different situations.
Application forms
- Application forms for NZ Super and Veteran’s Pension will be updated from 8 April with the new residence criteria, as people are encouraged to apply up to 12 weeks before they turn 65.
Other support
- People who don’t meet the criteria for NZ Super and Veteran’s Pension at age 65 can approach the Ministry of Social Development about other forms of support, for example Jobseeker Support or Emergency Benefit.
