Calculation for NZ Superannuation or Veterans Pension
When New Zealand Superannuation or Veterans Pension is paid to a client in the Republic of Ireland the rate of payment is calculated using the following formula:
- count the number of whole months of New Zealand residence since age 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 or Veterans Pension
- 50% of the maximum New Zealand Superannuation or Veterans Pension rate if the client was already receiving this amount overseas before the agreement coming into effect (1 March 1994)
The maximum rate that can be paid is:
- 100% of the gross rate of New Zealand Superannuation or Veterans Pension
The maximum rate of payment is the full gross rate of either the half married, civil union or de facto rate, or the single sharing accommodation rate of New Zealand Superannuation or Veterans Pension, 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 Ireland. Each partner must be assessed on an individual basis and be paid at the single sharing accommodation rate.
Note the Reciprocal Agreement with the Republic of Ireland and the supporting legislation set the relationship criteria for payments to clients living in the Republic of Ireland, including any specific rules relating to sex or gender.
New Zealand Superannuation and Veterans Pension are paid without regard to any of the following Irish benefits:
- Retirement Pension
- Old Age (Contributory) Pension
- Widows (Contributory) Pension
- Invalidity Pension
Clients who were already getting payment in Ireland before 29 July 1993, may be entitled to a higher rate under the agreement, but they cannot get less than 50% of the New Zealand Superannuation or Veteran's Pension.
Residence
A period of up to 26 weeks absence from New Zealand can be included as New Zealand residence, so long as the client was considered to be ordinarily resident in New Zealand during the period of absence.
Extra help
Extra help eg, family tax credit, Best Start tax credit, Temporary Additional Support, Special Benefit or Disability Allowance cannot be paid in Ireland.
For more information see:
Legislation
- Rate of New Zealand Superannuation and Veteran's Pension in Ireland Article 8 Social Welfare (Reciprocity with the Republic of Ireland) Order 1993
