Calculation for NZ Superannuation or Veterans Pension

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

• count the number of whole years of New Zealand residence since the age of 20 and
• divide by 40 and
• multiply by the maximum benefit rate

The minimum payment that can be paid is:

• 1 divided by 40 multiplied by the maximum rate of New Zealand Superannuation or
• 50% of the maximum rate of New Zealand Superannuation or Veterans Pension if the client was already receiving this amount before 1 April 1995

The maximum rate that can be paid is:

• 100% of the gross rate of New Zealand Superannuation

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 Jersey/Guernsey 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 paid at the single sharing accommodation rate.

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

New Zealand Superannuation and Veterans Pension are paid in Jersey/Guernsey without regard to any Jersey/Guernsey pension being paid.

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.

The living alone payment cannot be paid to clients in Jersey/Guernsey.

Clients who were already receiving payment in Jersey/Guernsey before 1 April 1995 may be entitled to a higher rate under the agreement but they cannot receive less than 50% of the New Zealand Superannuation or Veterans Pension.

Extra help such as family tax credit, Best Start tax credit, Special Benefit or Disability Allowance cannot be paid in Jersey/Guernsey.

For more information contact International Services or see:

• Commencement of payment in Jersey/Guernsey
• Methods of payment