Pension question, New Zealand
Can I keep NZ Super while travelling overseas for more than 26 weeks?
Work and Income states that a person can apply to keep getting NZ Super or Veteran's Pension while overseas if, among other criteria, they are ordinarily resident in New Zealand when they apply and intend to travel overseas for more than 26 weeks. To keep NZ Super or Veteran's Pension while going overseas for more than 26 weeks or moving abroad permanently, a person must apply at least six weeks before leaving New Zealand.
What to do next
- Note the date you plan to leave New Zealand and mark six weeks before it.
- Write down how long you expect to be away.
- Run our free check to see which other countries may hold a pension in your name.
Check your own working life for free
Tell us where you worked. The free check shows which countries may hold a pension for you, and which can be ruled out and why. No sign in, no charge.
Run the free checkQuestions people also ask
What if I am delayed overseas?
Work and Income states that if a person on NZ Super or Veteran's Pension is delayed and returns to New Zealand after 26 weeks, their payments will stop after the 26th week.
Do you give advice on what to do?
No. We identify where a pension is likely held and the official route to it, and we name each source with the date we read it. We do not give financial, tax or legal advice.