Entitlement to New Zealand Superannuation

Only clients who qualify for New Zealand Superannuation in their own right can get this payment under Special Portability rules. Grandparented non-qualified partners have no entitlement and their New Zealand Superannuation stops once they leave New Zealand. If a client is not already getting New Zealand Superannuation they should make an application for New Zealand Superannuation and Special Portability before they leave New Zealand unless they intend to live in the Cook Islands, Niue or Tokelau.

Special consideration should be given when deciding if a client is ordinarily resident in New Zealand when they make their application.

Note generally New Zealanders who usually live overseas are not regarded as ordinarily resident in New Zealand if they have recently returned to apply for New Zealand Superannuation. Information held on the Special Portability application may assist when considering whether a client is ordinarily resident in New Zealand.

Clients applying from the Cook Islands, Niue or Tokelau must apply for New Zealand Superannuation and Special Portability at the same time. A client can apply ahead of the date they meet the qualification age.

The application for New Zealand Superannuation is to determine that they meet the qualifying age and have had 10 years residence and presence in New Zealand since the age of 20. This must include 5 years or more since age 50. Clients applying from the Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau are not required to meet the ordinary residence in New Zealand requirement.