Calculation for New Zealand Superannuation and Veterans Pension

When New Zealand Superannuation or Veterans Pension is paid to a client in Canada the rate of payment is calculated using the following formula:

• count the number of whole months of New Zealand residence since the age of 20 and
  divide by
• the number for the date the client was born (see calculation table) and
  multiply by
• the maximum benefit rate

The minimum payment that can be paid is:

• 1/40 to 1/45 of the maximum rate of New Zealand Superannuation

The maximum rate that can be paid is 100% of the gross rate of either half married, civil union, de facto rate or the single sharing accommodation rate of New Zealand Superannuation depending on the client's circumstances.

There is no provision to pay the married, civil union or de facto rate of payment to same sex couples living in Canada unless they are legally married to each other. If they are not legally married to each other, each partner must be assessed on an individual basis and be paid at the single sharing accommodation rate.

Note the Reciprocal Agreement with Canada and the supporting legislation set the relationship criteria for payments to clients living in Canada, including any specific rules relating to sex or gender.

Extra help such as Accommodation Supplement, Disability Allowance or Temporary Additional Support cannot be paid to clients living in Canada.

For more information contact International Services or see:

• Commencement of payment in Canada
• Methods of payment