New Zealand Superannuation modernisation and simplification changes from 9 November

From 9 November 2020, several changes were made that affect some New Zealand Superannuation and Veteran's Pension clients.

The following changes were effective from 9 November 2020:

• Ending the option to include a non-qualified partner in New Zealand Superannuation or Veteran's Pension
• Existing couples getting the non-qualified partner rate as at 8 November 2020 are grandparented effective from 9 November 2020
• From 9 November 2020 non-qualified partners who have not been grandparented are able to apply for a main benefit if they need financial assistance
• From 9 November 2020 a non-qualified partner can apply for Emergency Benefit to provide care for their New Zealand Superannuation partner if they would otherwise require hospital care or if they are the principal caregiver of a dependent child under 14
• Extending the Living Alone Rate of Payment to single people who live alone in self-contained mobile homes
• Introducing a new residential concession for people who work overseas as a humanitarian worker for a charitable organisation which allows the periods working overseas to be treated as resident and present in New Zealand
• Amending the residential concession for missionary workers that links the concession to missionary work for organisations that are a New Zealand charity or are closely to aligned to one.
• Exempting the voluntary portion of an overseas pension from the direct deduction policy. The amount of any voluntary portion is treated as income.
• For some couples the excess overseas pension of one partner does not reduce their partner's New Zealand Superannuation, Veteran's Pension and Winter Energy payments.
• Removing deductions for an overseas pension received for a dependent child.

For more information please talk to Helpline.