NZ Superannuation overseas travel
Understand the rules around travelling or living overseas and getting NZ Super
The New Zealand Government provides the ability to travel overseas while on NZ Super. Before you go, it is important to understand the rules and procedures so you don’t lose your benefit.
Pension Overseas Travel
If you’re currently receiving New Zealand Superannuation (NZ Super) and considering an extended stay overseas lasting more than 26 weeks, or even thinking about relocating permanently, there are vital details you should be aware of. This page provides an overview of what your rights are, but it is always best to contact the International Services of Work and Income to get the most up-to-date information.
The International Services, a branch of Work and Income, is dedicated to ensuring you receive the correct NZ Super amount when you’re abroad.
Key points to consider?
- If you are receiving NZ Super, most people can still receive NZ Super payments while overseas providing they have followed the rules before departing New Zealand.
- Being away from New Zealand for less than 26 weeks is normally fine.
- More than 26 weeks, or moving away permanently, is covered by specific rules under the legislation that will affect your entitlement:
- The amount you receive may be less than the NZ Super you receive in New Zealand. This will depend on which overseas country you travel to.
- You should seek advice from International Services before making any decisions.
Travelling overseas up to 26 weeks
- Your NZ Super payment continues as usual for 26 weeks, but you must return to New Zealand
before 30 weeks. If you receive extra payments like Disability Allowance, Accommodation
Supplement, Winter Energy Payment, these will cease after 4 weeks absence. - If, by your own choice, you decide to extend your stay beyond 26 weeks, your NZ Super
payments will cease at 26 weeks. - If you exceed 30 weeks away you may be required to repay 26 weeks of NZ Super. For more information please see the Work and Income website.
- If, due to unforeseen circumstances beyond your control, your stay is extended beyond 26
weeks you can apply for payment of NZ Super overseas. This is sometimes referred to as a
portable pension. Portable pensions are not granted lightly and you will need to provide
information about why you were unable to return to NZ as intended. Contact the International Services team for more information.
Travelling overseas more the 26 weeks
- If you intend to travel overseas for longer than 26 weeks you must apply to International Services at least 6 weeks before departing New Zealand.
- The amount you’ll receive depends on how long you have lived in New Zealand. This is calculated based on the time you’ve lived in New Zealand between the ages of 20 and 65 and may be less than the NZ Super amount you receive in New Zealand.
- You will not receive any extra payments such as the Winter Energy Payment.
- If you did not apply before you left New Zealand because you intended to return within 26 weeks and, due to unforeseen circumstances beyond your control, you are unable to return (eg the closure of the Australia/NZ COVID-19 travel bubble), you can apply for a ‘portable pension’.
The key point to note in all this is that if you are travelling overseas, particularly if over 28 days then it is worthwhile contacting the International Services team of Work and Income. They will help you comply and give you up-to-date information on whether your benefit will be impacted.