Commencement date

The entitlement date for New Zealand Superannuation is:

• the date the client reaches the qualifying age or
• meets the residency criteria

whichever is the later.

The commencement date is:

• the date of entitlement or
• the date of application

whichever is the later.

Note applications from the Cook Islands, Niue or Tokelau do not lapse after 20 days.

There is no provision for any back payment of New Zealand Superannuation.

No stand-down applies to New Zealand Superannuation.