If you live alone
You'll get a higher amount of NZ Superannuation or Veteran's Pension if you're single and live by yourself. This takes into account the extra costs of running a household on your own.
NZ Super is paid at different rates depending on your relationship and living situation. If you’re single and living by yourself, you can get the ‘single, living alone’ rate. This pays you more money than the ‘single, sharing accommodation’ or married rates in order to cover the extra costs of running a household by yourself.
NZ Super and Veteran’s Pension payment rates
You can still have visitors to stay for up to 13 weeks while getting the ‘single, living alone’ rate.
Getting the single rate if you have a partner
You might also be able to get this rate if you have a spouse or partner who goes into:
- residential care
- long-term hospital care
- prison, or
- you’re living separately from each other because your marriage or civil union has ended or is ending.
You must tell Work and Income within 14 days if this happens. They’ll adjust your NZ Super payments to either the ‘single, living alone’ or the ‘single, sharing accommodation’ rate, depending on your circumstances.
Freephone: 0800 552 002 (NZ only)
What your partner gets if they’re in care or prison
Who to contact for more help
If you need more help or have questions about the information or services on this page, contact the following agency.
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Work and Income
Contact and agency details
Utility links and page information
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