Single rate for couples

In some circumstances a person who qualifies for New Zealand Superannuation in their own right and who is living apart from their partner, can get the single sharing accommodation or the single living alone rate instead of the married, civil union or de facto rate.

In some circumstances a grandparented non-qualified partner, who is physically separated from their partner can get the single sharing accommodation rate of New Zealand Superannuation, or a single rate of Emergency Benefit.

A client who has a partner can get the single sharing accommodation rate of New Zealand Superannuation if:

• they have separated from their partner because their relationship has ended or
• their partner is getting the hospital rate of payment because they have or been in hospital for more than 13 weeks or
• their partner is in long-term residential care and
• they are sharing their accommodation with any person aged 18 years or over, or a visitor who stays more than 13 weeks in any 26 week period

Note the single sharing accommodation rate can be paid from the date the New Zealand Superannuation commences if the client meets the above criteria at their entitlement date.

For a legally married or civil union couple to be separated there must be a physical separation and an acceptance or recognition by one or both of the partners that the relationship has ended.

For a de facto couple to be separated their relationship must no longer be in the nature of marriage or civil union (a relationship in the nature of marriage or civil union means both financial interdependence and emotional commitment are evident).

A client living in the community who has a partner can get the single living alone rate of New Zealand Superannuation if:

• they have separated from their partner because their relationship has ended
• their partner is in prison, when the Ministry of Social Development have decided to regard the client as a single person
• their partner is receiving the hospital rate of payment because they have been in hospital for more than 13 weeks or
• their partner is in long-term residential care and
• they are not sharing their accommodation with any person aged 18 years or over other than a dependent child or a visitor who stays less than 13 weeks in any 26 week period
• they meet the other qualifications for the single living alone rate

Note the single living alone rate can be paid from the date the New Zealand Superannuation commences if the client meets the above criteria at their entitlement date.