Australian Age Pension for New Zealanders (2026 Guide) by JJ Smith 28 March 2026 written by JJ Smith 28 March 2026 5.3K Can New Zealanders get the Australian Age Pension? Yes — New Zealanders living in Australia may be eligible for the Australian Age Pension, but the rules are slightly different from the NZ pension and those for Australian citizens. Eligibility depends on: your age how long you have lived in Australia and/or New Zealand your income your assets Australia and New Zealand have a social security agreement, which allows periods of residence in both countries to be counted when assessing eligibility. Because of this agreement, many New Zealanders who move to Australia later in life can qualify for an Australian pension, even if they haven’t lived in Australia for their entire working life. However, there are a few important rules and deadlines, especially if you are already receiving NZ Superannuation when you move. Quick Summary: Australian Age Pension for New Zealanders If you’re planning to move to Australia or have recently arrived, here are the key things to know. The Age Pension age is currently 67 You generally need 10 years of working-age residence (age 20–67) in Australia and/or NZ The pension is income and asset-tested If you already receive NZ Super, it usually continues for up to 26 weeks after leaving NZ During that time you should apply for the Australian Age Pension Editor Note: I highly recommend using an Age Pension calculator to get an estimate of how much pension you might receive, as this can affect when you should apply: If you’re eligible for the full Australian Age Pension: apply as soon as you arrive in Australia, as it is higher than the NZ Super. The maximum fortnightly rate for a single person in Australia is up to A$1,200.90 (after tax), while the gross weekly rate for a single person in New Zealand is approximately NZ$1,043.24. If you only qualify for a partial Australian Age Pension, it can sometimes make sense to delay applying until closer to the end of the 26-week period when NZ Super stops. This helps avoid overlapping payments that could later need to be repaid. NZ Super rates change each year in April, where the Australia Age Pension updates twice a year (20 March and 20 September). In this post, you will find helpful information on: What to do before leaving New Zealand What to do after arriving in Australia What you need to do within 26 weeks of leaving New Zealand At what age can you receive the Australian Age Pension? Residency requirements for New Zealanders How to apply for the Australian Age Pension Australian Age Pension Payment Rates Age Pension income test Age Pension asset test How homeownership affects the pension Age Pension calculator Working after pension age Disability Support Pension for New Zealanders Can you receive NZ Super and the Australian Age Pension? How NZ Super and Australian Age Pension Compare Common Mistakes New Zealanders Make with Pensions Real-Life Example Scenarios for Kiwis Moving to Australia Transferring your KiwiSaver to Australia Keeping Centrelink up to date Where to get help and advice What to do before leaving New Zealand If you are receiving NZ Superannuation, Veteran’s Pension, or another long-term payment, there are a few things you should do before moving. 1. Notify Work and Income Advise Work and Income that you plan to move to Australia. 2. Gather important documents Before leaving New Zealand, make sure you have copies of: Passport Birth certificate Marriage certificate (if applicable) Bank account details Tax file information Medical reports (if receiving Supported Living Payment) Having these ready will make the Australian application process much easier. 3. Check any overseas pension arrangements If you receive an overseas pension through New Zealand’s Special Banking Option, you may need to arrange for the overseas agency to pay you directly instead. For assistance, contact Senior Services International. What to do after arriving in Australia Once you arrive in Australia, you should begin preparing your Age Pension application through Centrelink. Depending on your situation, you may also need to apply for: Disability Support Pension Carer Payment These payments are available to New Zealand citizens living in Australia, including those on a Special Category Visa (SCV). Most New Zealanders automatically receive an SCV visa when entering Australia, which allows them to live and work there. What you need to do within 26 weeks of leaving New Zealand If you already receive New Zealand Superannuation or the Veteran’s Pension, there is an important rule to understand. You can usually continue receiving your New Zealand payments for up to 26 weeks after leaving New Zealand. This period gives you time to apply for the Australian Age Pension. When should you apply? The timing of your application can affect your payments. If you qualify for the full Australian Age Pension It often makes sense to apply soon after arriving in Australia, because the maximum Australian Age Pension is generally higher than NZ Superannuation. If you may qualify for a reduced Age Pension Some people choose to apply closer to the end of the 26-week period if they are still receiving NZ Superannuation. This can help avoid overlapping payments that might later need to be repaid. Because every situation is different, it is a good idea to contact Centrelink International Services before applying. What happens if you don’t apply within 26 weeks? If you do not apply for the Australian Age Pension within 26 weeks of leaving New Zealand, your New Zealand pension payments will normally stop. This is why it is important to start the application process early. At what age can you receive the Australian Age Pension? The Age Pension age in Australia is currently 67. However, the age depends on your date of birth. Date of birth Age Pension age 1 July 1952 – 31 Dec 1953 65 years 6 months 1 Jan 1954 – 30 June 1955 66 years 1 July 1955 – 31 Dec 1956 66 years 6 months 1 Jan 1957 onwards 67 years Residency requirements for New Zealanders To qualify for the Age Pension under the Australia–New Zealand Social Security Agreement, you must have: At least 10 years of working-age residence Working-age residence means time lived in Australia or New Zealand between age 20 and Age Pension age. These periods can be combined across both countries. How to apply for the Australian Age Pension The easiest way to apply is online through Centrelink. Step 1 — Set up your accounts You will need: a myGov account your Centrelink account linked to myGov You can set this up at: my.gov.au Step 2 — Prepare your documents You will need supporting documents that show: identity bank account details tax file number (TFN) relationship status income assets You can read more about the documents needed on the Services Australia supporting documents page, which provides examples of each. Step 3 — Submit your claim Online application steps: Sign in to myGov Select Make a claim Choose Older Australians Select Age Pension Follow the prompts You must submit the claim within 13 weeks of starting it. If you cannot apply online You can also: print the Age Pension claim form request help from Centrelink International Services Australian Age Pension Information Booklet Here is the Information you need to know about your claim for Age Pension and Pension Bonus (Ci006) (Information Booklet), so you can read through the questions and get a better understanding of what’s required. You can view, print and complete the Claim for Age Pension and Pension Bonus form here and the Income and Assets form. If you would like to speak with someone about applying, please call Canterlink International on 0800441248. Australian Age Pension Payment Rates The amount you receive depends on: your income your assets your relationship status All income and assets are taken into account, whether they are Australian-based or still in New Zealand. Rates are updated twice each year: 20 March 20 September Australia Age Pension rates (from 20 March 2026): Per fortnight Single Couple each Couple combined Couple apart due to ill health Maximum basic rate $1,100.30 $829.40 $1,658.80 $1,100.30 Maximum Pension Supplement $86.50 $65.20 $130.40 $86.50 Energy Supplement $14.10 $10.60 $21.20 $14.10 Total $1,200.90 $905.20 $1,810.40 $1,200.90 * Rates as per 20 March 2026. Check here for updated rates. There has been an increase of $22.20 per fortnight for singles and $16.70 per person for couples from 20 September 2025. Age Pension income test The Age Pension is income tested. If your income exceeds certain thresholds, your payment will be reduced. Income-free area Single: first $218 per fortnight is not counted Couples: first $380 combined per fortnight is not counted Above these limits, the pension reduces gradually. Age Pension asset test The Age Pension is also asset tested. Assets include: savings investments vehicles investment property superannuation income streams shares Asset limits for a full pension (example) Situation Homeowner Non-homeowner Single $321,500 $579,500 Couple $481,500 $739,500 Your main home is not counted as an asset. How homeownership affects the pension Your principal residence is exempt from the asset test. However, homeowners have lower asset limits than non-homeowners. Situations that may affect your pension include: selling your home downsizing granny-flat arrangements moving out of the home. Age Pension calculator The Age Pension Calculator on the SuperGuide website is simple and easy to use. Just enter your details in the yellow fields, and you’ll receive an estimate of the Age Pension you may be eligible for. Reminder: do not include the value of your home in your assets. If you haven’t yet sold your NZ home and purchased one in Australia, it will be difficult to get a completely accurate estimate, but still leave out your home to keep the calculation as accurate as possible. You’ll be asked to answer the following questions: Are you single or part of a couple? Do you own your own home? Value of your non-financial assets Value of your financial investments Your employment income (annually) Other income (annually) Try the Age Pension Calculator here: SuperGuide Age Pension calculator. Working after pension age You can still work while receiving the Age Pension. Australia offers a Work Bonus that allows pensioners to earn some income without reducing their pension. Work Bonus rules first $300 per fortnight from employment is not counted unused amounts accumulate in a Work Bonus income bank Maximum Work Bonus balance: $11,800 The amount accumulated in the income bank can be used to offset future income from work that would otherwise be assessable under the pension income test. The income bank amount is not time-limited; if unused, it carries forward, even across years. For more information, visit Work Bonus on the Australian Government Department of Social Services website. Disability Support Pension for New Zealanders Under the Australia–New Zealand Social Security Agreement, New Zealanders living in Australia may be able to apply for the Australian Disability Support Pension (DSP) if they have a severe disability and meet certain residency rules. To qualify for the Disability Support Pension under the agreement, you must meet three key requirements. 1. You must be considered “severely disabled” To qualify under the agreement, you must meet Australia’s definition of severe disability, which generally means: you have a physical, intellectual, or psychiatric condition that prevents you from working, and the condition is expected to last at least two years, and you are unable to benefit from employment support or rehabilitation programs, or you are permanently blind. Medical evidence from your doctor or specialist will be required when applying. 2. The disability must have occurred while living in Australia or New Zealand To qualify under the social security agreement, the severe disability must have occurred while you were a resident of either Australia or New Zealand. If the disability occurred while you were living in another country, you may not qualify under the agreement. 3. You must meet the residency requirements You must have: lived in Australia and/or New Zealand for at least 10 years, and usually lived in Australia for at least 12 months before applying. Periods of residence in both countries can be combined to help meet the 10-year requirement. Important note The Disability Support Pension is income and asset tested, similar to the Age Pension. This means your income, savings, investments, and other assets may affect how much you can receive. Where to get help If you think you may qualify for the Disability Support Pension, you can contact: Centrelink International Services New Zealand Phone: 0800 441 248 Australian Phone: 131 673 They can explain the eligibility rules and help you start the application process. Can you receive NZ Super and the Australian Age Pension? Once your applications are processed, you may receive payments from both New Zealand and Australia, e.g., your payment may consist of a NZ Superannuation payment and an Australian Age Pension payment. However, the total amount you receive is generally limited to what an Australian resident would receive. Because of this, the final payment may include: a component from New Zealand a component from Australia How NZ Super and Australian Age Pension Compare Many Kiwis wonder how their NZ Superannuation compares with the Australian Age Pension. Here’s a quick comparison to make it easier to plan your move. Status NZ Super Australian Age Pension Difference Single NZ$1,043.24/week A$1,200.90/fortnight +A$146.56/week* Couple (each) NZ$803/week A$905.20/fortnight +A$93.85/week* * As at 20 March 2026. ** Based on current exchange rates and the maximum Australian Age Pension. Exact amounts will vary depending on income, assets, and living arrangements. Key points to note: The Australian Age Pension is generally higher than NZ Super for most Kiwis. Payments include additional supplements like Energy Supplement and Pension Supplement. Exchange rates can affect your NZ$ equivalent, so it’s good to check your fortnightly payments after conversion. If eligible for the full Australian Age Pension, it usually makes sense to apply soon after arrival in Australia. This section helps you understand how much more (or less) you could receive in Australia compared to staying in New Zealand. Common Mistakes New Zealanders Make with Pensions Moving to Australia and applying for the Age Pension can be confusing, and many Kiwis make simple mistakes that could cost them time or money. Here are the top ones to avoid: Mistake Why it matters Waiting too long to apply for the Australian Age Pension NZ Super payments stop after 26 weeks if you don’t apply Assuming NZ Super continues automatically You must submit an application to continue receiving payments in Australia Not reporting income or assets to Centrelink Could result in overpayment and needing to repay later Overlooking your partner’s eligibility Could reduce or increase your combined pension Not using the Work Bonus If you’re still working part-time, you could be missing out on extra pension payments Pro tip: Keep a checklist and gather all your documents early. It will save you a lot of stress and ensures you get the full pension you’re entitled to. Real-Life Example Scenarios for Kiwis Moving to Australia Sometimes it helps to see how the rules apply in real life. Here are a few examples based on common situations: Example 1: Single retiree moving at 67 NZ Super: NZ$1,043/week Australian Age Pension: A$1,200.90/fortnight Outcome: Receives a combination of NZ Super and Australian Age Pension for the first 26 weeks, then full Australian pension. Result: slightly higher income than staying in NZ. Example 2: Couple with significant assets Total assets exceed the maximum for a full pension They may only receive a partial Age Pension Outcome: Selling or downsizing a home, or restructuring assets, can increase the pension entitlement. Example 3: Working retiree over pension age Works part-time while receiving the Age Pension Outcome: The Work Bonus allows the first $300 per fortnight of employment income to be excluded from the income test. Any unused amount accumulates in a Work Bonus “bank” (up to $11,800), which can be used to offset future income assessments. These examples make it easier to see how your own situation might work and why it’s worth getting advice early. Transferring your KiwiSaver to Australia If you move permanently to Australia, you may wish to transfer your KiwiSaver to an Australian superannuation fund. This is optional. Steps include: Choose an Australian super fund Join the fund Complete the KiwiSaver transfer form Arrange the transfer through your provider For more information, read my Australian Super or KiwiSaver for your Home Deposit posts. Keeping Centrelink up to date Once you receive a pension, you must inform Centrelink if: your income changes your assets change you travel overseas you receive an inheritance or a large financial gift Keeping your details up to date helps avoid overpayments or repayment obligations. Where to get help and advice Several organisations offer free help with retirement planning. Helpful resources include: Financial Information Service (FIS) MoneySmart National Debt Helpline For aged care information in Australia, visit: My Aged Care. Still have questions about the Australian Age Pension? If you want more detailed information about: applying for pensions what happens if your partner is under pension age Disability Support Pension eligibility receiving NZ benefits in Australia Visit: Work and Income – Social Security Agreement with Australia. You might be interested in… The posts below might interest you: Moving money to Australia (keep more of your money) Buying a house in Australia Medicare Australia Still, got unanswered questions? If you’ve read the above content and the answer to your question isn’t there, please write a comment below and I’ll research the answer for you. Can I help you find something else? If you need advice on moving to Australia from New Zealand, I’ve created a helpful little questionnaire to point you in the right direction. It takes less than 30 seconds, so give it a go! Moving money to Australia from New Zealand 144 comments FacebookPinterest JJ Smith previous post Schools in Australia next post Costs of medication and operations in Australia You may also like The Land of OZ, Consumer Mag 3 March 2026 Documentation needed when moving to Australia 11 April 2025 A better life across the ditch (updated 2025) 3 March 2026 Open an Australian Bank Account 3 March 2026 Foreign Exchange/Money Transfer 6 November 2024 $19,000 exchange fee shocks family 14 January 2025 Australian Tax 15 October 2025 Getting Your Tax File Number (TFN) 15 October 2025 Working With Children Check in Australia (WWCC) 11 February 2026 Renting and accommodation in Australia 8 August 2025 144 comments Sarah 15 October 2021 - 11:52 am Hi my Dad aged 74 is looking at moving to Australia. He has a fair amount of money etc. I see from research that to receive a Pension in Australia you under go means and asset testing. Is there anyway my Dad can still receive his NZ payments and live in Australia full time? Reply JJ Smith 19 October 2021 - 3:14 am Hi Sarah, You are going to have to call the IRD and ask them if he can still receive his NZ pension. If he doesn’t pass the Australian pension asset and income tests, then the only way I can see him able to continue to receive his NZ pension is returning to NZ twice a year so he is not out of the country for more than 26 weeks. This would be tricky if he has health issues and of course we are all subject to the current Covid restrictions. Please feel free to email me back any further questions you have. Reply Sherryl 26 July 2021 - 4:19 am Hi JJ My name is Sherryl and i live in NZ. I am on th nz retirement benefit and have my 15 year old neice that lives with I am receving an Orphans benefit for her. I am going to come to aussie to be with my family and wanted to know if you have any info on this. Whether i can still get this in Au. Her mum is also Australian Thanks Reply JJ Smith 16 August 2021 - 1:06 am Hi Sherryl, Thank you for your comment and sorry for the delay in replying. Here is a link to info about Australia’s Double Orphan Pension: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/double-orphan-pension/who-can-get-it. On an SCV you would be entitles to this, if you meet the other eligibility conditions. Hope the above helps. Reply John Fletcher 6 May 2021 - 12:35 pm Hello I am a 70yr old kiwi born Oz citizen. I moved to OZ in 1979. I am currently an Age Pension recipient in OZ but wish to return to NZ permanently as I have family there. Thank you Reply JJ Smith 13 May 2021 - 10:41 pm Hi John, Thanks for your comment. New Zealand Superannuation is the age pension. Australian citizens or former residents (including New Zealanders returning after living in Australia) may be eligible for the age pension if they meet eligibility criteria. Generally, eligibility is based upon residency in New Zealand for not less than ten years since the age of 20, including five years or more since the age of 50. Under the social security agreement between Australia and New Zealand, periods of residence in Australia may be recognised for the purposes of eligibility for New Zealand Superannuation. New Zealand Superannuation is not income or assets tested, but receipt of an Australian pension may affect payment rates. Here is the link to Work and Income who you will need to apply through. However, you cannot apply until you are in NZ.: https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/map/income-support/main-benefits/new-zealand-superannuation/introduction.html. Here is the eligibility requirements that apply to you: – be deemed to hold a residence class visa in New Zealand under the Immigration Act 2009 (eg Australian citizens or residents) and – be ordinarily resident in New Zealand on the date of application (except where the client is applying from the Cook Islands, Niue or Tokelau under Special Portability). Further questions? Get help from the Work and Income NZ Superannuation team by calling anytime Monday to Friday between 7am and 6pm on 1800 150 479 (from Australia). Please feel free to email me back any further questions you have. Good luck with your move. Reply pam 17 May 2021 - 1:19 am Hi I am a 68 yr old NZ citizen who has been living and working in Australia for 9 years. If I went back to NZ for a couple of years and then returned to Australia to live permanently , do I have to be in Australia again for a certain period of time before I can receive the Age Pension? Reply JJ Smith 17 May 2021 - 10:02 pm Hi Pam, Thank you for your comment. I’ve included all the information I can find online in the post you have read. Unfortunately I can’t give you a definitive answer. From what I know, you will be able to return to Australia after living in NZ for a couple of years and still get the pension because of the social security agreement. However, I recommend you visit your local Centerlink office or call them on 132 300, Monday to Friday 8 am to 5 pm, to get confirmation. Please feel free to email me back any further questions you have. Reply lorraine Brunton 28 April 2021 - 10:43 pm My question is my husband and I are thinking about a possible move to Melbourne. My husband has a medical condition which is treated here in New Zealand at the public hospital every 2 months in a day ward. Would this be something that could continued in Australia? Reply JJ Smith 2 May 2021 - 11:56 pm Hi Lorraine, Thank you for your comment. New Zealanders on an SCV are eligible for Medicare where we get free treatment as a public hospital patient: https://www.movingtoaustralia.co.nz/medicare-australia/. If you want to email me more about his condition I can research it further for you. However, if you get free treatment in NZ, then you should get free treatment in Australia through Medicare. Please feel free to email me back any further questions you have. Good luck with your move. Reply Patricia Morgan 1 February 2021 - 11:58 pm Hi JJ, Firstly thanks so much for your website – I am a New Zealander living in Australia, I’ve been here since 2006 and am wondering about staying (I’m now 64), or going back to New Zealand. I am able to apply for Australian Citizenship though it will take somewhere between 13-17 months for my application to be processed, and there is a chance that I wouldn’t get it. As I am close to retirement I’m wondering if it is worth applying for Australian Citzenship and probably more importantly if being a dual citizen will impact my ability to get the old age pension if I go back to live in New Zealand? Would you know about the impacts of dual citizenship on eligability for the New Zealand old age pension for a New Zealander who has Australian citizenship living in New Zealand? Thanks for your help with this. All the best, Patricia Reply JJ Smith 4 February 2021 - 1:46 am Hi Patricia, Thank you for your comment. Unfortunately the information I have in my Can a NZ citizen get an Australian benefit or pension? post is all the information I have. Neither Centrelink or Work and Income have been able to give me further information, as their too many variables depending on a person’s circumstances. From what I understand, being a Australia Citizen does not change your eligibility to get the Australia pension. I recommend you call Centerlink and ask them your questions and even Work and Income in NZ. If you have any advice for further readers of my blog, please reply and I will update my site. As mentioned above, it’s hard to get good advice. Please feel free to email me back any further questions you have. Thanks Reply Bevan 24 January 2021 - 4:09 am Hi JJ, I have been living in Aus on a SCV since 1998 and recently qualified for a part Aus Pension after the income and asset test. Can I now apply for NZ Super payment as well. Also, my wife is now 65, is she able to apply for NZ Super now as she’s not eligible for Aus pension until she’s 66.5 years old. Reply JJ Smith 4 February 2021 - 1:45 am Hi Bevan, Thank you for your comment. Unfortunately the information I have in my Can a NZ citizen get an Australian benefit or pension? post is all the information I have. Neither Centrelink or Work and Income have been able to give me further information, as their too many variables depending on a person’s circumstances. I recommend you and your wife call Work and Income in NZ and ask them: https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/about-work-and-income/contact-us/phone-numbers.html. If you have any advice for further readers of my blog, please reply and I will update my site. As mentioned above, it’s hard to get good advice. Also, if you are eligible, then make sure you setup and account with OFX or XE so you are not charged extra fees when you transfer your pension from NZ to Australia: https://www.movingtoaustralia.co.nz/foreign-exchange-money-transfer/. Please feel free to email me back any further questions you have. Thanks Reply John 2 August 2020 - 9:02 pm Hi, I am over 65, single, and are currently getting my Super An. in New Zealand.My plan is to move to Western Australia where my brother work and live.What I do know is that I can go and apply for Super An. in Australia and I will get it if I qualify. What I do NOT know is….will I qualify for the same medical benefits as a Australian citizen?? Thanks Reply JJ Smith 14 October 2020 - 9:06 pm Hi John, Thanks for your comment and sorry for the delay in replying. As a New Zealanders on a SCV you are eligible for Medicare like other Australian’s. The taxpayer-funded Medicare health care system covers many medical, hospital and pharmaceutical costs. Under this system you can be treated as a public patient, at no charge, in a public hospital by a doctor appointed by the hospital. I have found the Australian health care system to be great and very similar to that in NZ. I’ve had a few enquiries from people wanting to move to WA and from what I can find the WA’s coronavirus hard border may be here to stay well into next year: – https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-10-10/wa-coronavirus-border-opening-timeline-in-fine-print-of-budget/12749500 – https://www.perthnow.com.au/news/coronavirus/west-australian-border-to-stay-closed-until-april-says-federal-government-ng-b881687557z I will be keeping my newsletter subscribers up to date with any major changes in travel between NZ and Australia, so if you haven’t already please subscribe (right panel on https://www.movingtoaustralia.co.nz/). Please feel free to email me back any further questions you have. Good luck with your move, when you can move. Reply Louise 12 July 2020 - 10:03 pm Hi, My Dad is living in Australia and has been there for 12 years. He is now 70 and still working full-time. Would he be entitled to anything? Louise Reply JJ Smith 20 July 2020 - 11:59 pm Hi Louise, Thank you for your comment. As you would have read in my post if he lives in Australia he may qualify for a benefit or pension from both Australia and New Zealand. As stated, he must apply for a benefit or pension in both countries. Senior Services International uses certain criteria to decide who can receive a NZ pension or benefit in Australia and how much you will be paid. You can read more about this here: https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/pensions/travelling-or-moving/social-security-agreements/australia.html#null. He will need to get application forms from his local Centerlink office or call Centerlink International Services regarding the Australian Super. Please feel free to email me back any further questions you have. Reply Sherryl 7 July 2020 - 7:29 am Hi I am a NZ citizen i did live in Australia when I was young for two years. I have half my family in Perth and Sunshine Coast. I would like to retire in Australia to be close to grand kids but could I get a pension Either Australian or NZ? Would this be an option for me? Reply JJ Smith 21 July 2020 - 12:19 am Hi Sherryl, Thank you for your comment. Yes you will be eligible for either or both NZ and Australia pensions and once you have moved over you will need to apply for the Australian pension, along with the NZ pension. Senior Services International uses certain criteria to decide who can receive a NZ pension or benefit in Australia and how much you will be paid. You can read more about this here: https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/pensions/travelling-or-moving/social-security-agreements/australia.html#null. Please feel free to email me back any further questions you have. Reply Rachel 10 June 2020 - 9:51 am Hi there, My parents are wanting to relocate to Australia. They are both over 65 and in receipt of NZ pension. They haven’t lived in Australia, however they have lived in NZ all their adult lives. My question is, to be eligible for pension in Australia (subject to income and assets test) would they have had to live and work in Australia previously? Or is their time in New Zealand sufficient. Thanks you! Reply JJ Smith 10 June 2020 - 10:51 pm Hi Rachel, Thanks for your comment. Are your parents NZ Citizens? If they are then they will be covered by the New Zealand Social Security Agreement with Australia. So if they pass they income and asset tests then they will be eligible. Please feel free to email me back any further questions you have. Reply Rachel Tyrrell 3 May 2021 - 5:35 am Hi! Just saw your reply. Yes they are both NZ citizens Thank you! Rachel Reply Stan Ford 29 March 2020 - 4:23 am I am from NZ have worked in AU for 7 years, lost my job because of the virus , have little money can’t fly back home , can I get some help from some ware , desperate for money. Reply JJ Smith 30 March 2020 - 10:57 pm Hi Stan, Thanks for your comment. Scott Morrison has finally agreed to help New Zealanders. read here: https://www.movingtoaustralia.co.nz/covid-19-help-for-new-zealanders-living-in-australia/. You are going to have to call Centerlink and get advise from them, as from the article it looks like to goes through your employer. Let me know if you still have any questions. Good luck! Reply Lisa 25 January 2020 - 6:43 am Hi everyone, I lived in Sydney for 17 years and have come back to NZ but want go back to Australia in a few years to spend the rest of my life… Will I be entitled to a pension.. I read that you need to have worked for at least ten years in Aussie, which I did but by the time I head back there will be 5/6 year gap. Any info much appreciated Cheers Lisa Reply JJ Smith 5 February 2020 - 1:37 am Hi Lisa, Thank you for your comment. I cannot find anywhere that it stats any gap in residing in Australia will effect your eligibility to receive the age pension. I recommend you contact Centerlink to confirm that you are eligible and how much you will receive, so you know exactly where you stand when making the move back: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/age-pension. Please feel free to email me back any further questions you have. Good luck with your move. Reply Fran 14 January 2020 - 2:47 am Hi JJ I’m in my mid fifties and have lived and worked in Oz for almost 10 yrs on a non-protected SCV. I am thinking about my retirement (in 10+ yrs) and have been given conflicting information regarding eligibility for a pension. I have been told that I am not eligible for a Australian pension, and that I will not be eligible for a NZ pension if I haven’t worked and lived in NZ for at least 5 yrs before I retire…. 🙁 Can you let me know if it is worth becoming an Australian Permanent Resident (Partner Pathway; as I have an Australian partner for 6yrs) at the cost of $7500 + 2-3 yrs timeframe? Reply JJ Smith 3 February 2020 - 10:52 pm Hi Fran, Thank you for your comment and sorry for the delay in replying. From all my research online, I don’t agree with what you have been told. The Australia pension is asset and income tested, but apart from that you should be eligible. Have you spoken to Centerlink and the IRD? They are really the only people who will be able to assess you individual circumstances and let you know where you stand. If you aren’t able to get the Australian pension then it would be worth looking into becoming an Australian PR. Please feel free to email me back any further questions you have. Reply Sana 23 June 2019 - 9:58 am Hi JJ I’m a non protected SCV NZ citizen living in Australia since Jan 2010. I and my now 22 year old both have been living here since Jan 2010. I have worked all along with periods of unemployment where I got zero help from Continuing etc. I worry that I might get injured in a non-work situation (a NZ friend recently got injured recently) and being non-work related and with a 22yr old that is totally dependant on me (housing. Bills. Uni fees etc as he does not get HECS/student loan in Australia as we are not Australian citizens) I worry about how I’ll cope if couldn’t work due to an injury which cannot for example be classified as ‘severe disability ‘ Does Work n Income help in such a situation or then does Centerlink help Nz citizens who are not Australian citizen? ( I cannot apply for permanent residency as I’m in my mid 50s and don’t meet the age requirement) If I got injured and couldnt work I would still want to remain here in OZ to be closer to my older son who is also employed here Please advise what happens in such a complex scenario? I mean I live and rent my older son’s house. Have furniture, car, etc etc for a comfortable life and it would be difficult to just pack and leave for nz in an emergency where I couldn’t work and couldnt have money for my regular bills until I got better after an injury/surgery/etc which are not of a permanent disability nature. But I would still need help to get through that difficult period where I couldn’t work n pay my bills n rent etc Please advise what the law is on such a borderline situation? Thanks :)) Reply JJ Smith 26 June 2019 - 11:15 pm Hi Sana, Thank you for your comment. As a New Zealanders on a non protected SCV you will NOT get any help from the Australian Government if you got injured. You do have a couple of options: – Income insurance from your bank: income protection replaces up to 75% of your regular income if you’re unable to work due to illness or injury (https://www.commbank.com.au/personal/insurance/income-protection.html?ei=Protect_income) – Apply for PR and then citizenship: did you visit Australia before 1 September 1994? If so you could apply for the Australian Returning Resident Visa (https://www.movingtoaustralia.co.nz/become-an-australian-permanent-resident-and-australia-citizen/#Subclasses155and157ResidentReturnvisa) Hope the above helps. Reply Bess 30 May 2019 - 10:00 am Kia ora, I am a superannuant..my husband is not. We would like to move to Perth,closer to children & help out with grandchildren… Our children are there due to good jobs,as there ain’t any here in Whitianga… Do you know of people like us who have done this,that can advise us. I am heavily involved in community affairs am a JP…work part time in my own digital embroidery business.& church business. No medical problems.”.clean bill of health. …just want to be wth kids & grandkids now. Reply JJ Smith 9 June 2019 - 11:57 pm Hi Bess, Thank you for your comment. Sorry for the delay in replying. I see that you have read my post – Can a NZ citizen get an Australian benefit or pension? Hopefully this answered most of your questions regarding getting the pension in Australia. I don’t have anyone that I can put you in touch with, but am happy to try answer any specific questions you have. Good luck with your move. Reply Bess 25 June 2019 - 11:22 pm Kia ora, I’m wanting to talk to someone who has sold up & bought over i Perth /Aus ..to be with whanau & mokopuna. We love our home here in Whitianga,but our kids are all working in Perth…& have been for years. We now want to move over & be close to them & help out …with the time we have left. Kia ora Bess Reply JJ Smith 25 June 2019 - 11:24 pm Hi Bess, As previously mentioned, I don’t personally know anyone that has moved to Perth that I can put you in touch with. However, you might get somewhere with the below links: – https://www.internations.org/perth-expats/new-zealanders – https://www.facebook.com/KiwisLivingInPerth/ Hope the above helps. Reply 1 2 3 … 5 » Leave a Comment Cancel Reply Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
