NZ Superannuation Rates 2026 - Weekly & Annual Amounts

Rates effective 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027. Current rates checked against Work and Income NZ Super rates.

Current NZ Super rates at a glance

All figures are after tax on the standard M tax code, paid fortnightly.

The single living alone rate includes the Living Alone Payment. Annual figures are based on 26 fortnightly payments.

If your tax code is S, SH, ST, or SA because you have other income, your take-home NZ Super will be lower than the figures above.

Who qualifies

You generally need to:

• Be aged 65 or over.
• Be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident.
• Be ordinarily resident in New Zealand when you apply.
• Meet the residence requirements that apply to your date of birth.

The residence rule is changing over time. It is not simply 10 years for everyone anymore. Work and Income now uses a sliding requirement based on when you were born, so check the official NZ Super eligibility guidance before relying on the rule.

There is no income or asset test. You can receive NZ Super even if you have savings, KiwiSaver, rental income, or paid work. You can apply through Work and Income up to 12 weeks before your 65th birthday.

Take-home pay on NZ Super

NZ Super is taxable income. The rates in the table above are already after PAYE at the M tax code. If you have other income - part-time work, rental income, KiwiSaver withdrawals, or business income - your marginal tax rate may increase and your actual take-home can differ.

Example: Margaret is 67, lives alone, and receives NZ Super as her only income. She takes home $555.15 per week, or $28,867.80 per year. She uses the M tax code and has no student loan or KiwiSaver deductions.

Example: Brian is 68 and still works part-time earning $15,000 a year on top of NZ Super. His combined income pushes him into a higher bracket. He uses the S tax code for his employment income, which means more tax is deducted from that job.

See your exact take-home in the TaxPop PAYE Calculator.

NZ Super rates history

Rates are adjusted every 1 April. Figures below are the single living alone fortnightly rate and couple combined fortnightly rate after tax at the M tax code.

Source: Work and Income benefit rates. M tax code.

FAQs

When does NZ Super get paid?
NZ Super is paid fortnightly, usually every second Tuesday, directly into your bank account.

Does NZ Super affect other benefits?
Receiving NZ Super may affect eligibility for some other Work and Income payments. It does not affect KiwiSaver withdrawals.

Can I get NZ Super if I live overseas?
It depends on the country, your residence history, and whether New Zealand has a social security agreement with that country. Check with Work and Income before moving overseas.

What if my partner is under 65?
You receive your own NZ Super at the rate that applies to your situation. Your partner does not qualify for their own NZ Super until they meet the age and residence rules.

Is NZ Super enough to live on?
For many people, no. NZ Super is designed as a base level of retirement income. Most retirees need KiwiSaver, savings, paid-off housing, or other income to maintain their preferred lifestyle.

Will NZ Super rates change in 2027?
Yes. Rates are reviewed every 1 April. The 2027 rates will be announced before the next annual change.