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 Rob 3 August 2022 - 5:18 pm Hi there, I lived in queensland for 3 years, back here thanks to covid, proper to that i was in Syney for 20 years..I am 65 and half been told i have to wait till im 661/2 to move back to Australia, I am on a pension here and work part time. I will sell here first may be 450 and buy a unit on the gold coast. Do Ihave to wait, 66 in December I get 1250 a fortnight from govt here thanks Reply JJ Smith 9 August 2022 - 1:24 pm Hi Rob, Thanks for your comment. You can move back to Australia, but you will stop receiving your NZ pension and the Australia age pension doesn’t start until you are 66.5 years. The NZ government will stop your payments after 26 weeks. Sorry I couldn’t be of more help. Reply Nicole 28 July 2022 - 10:20 am Hi there, Thank you so much for your post. I have a question related to getting NZ pension in Australia. My parents (67 and 68 years old) are NZ citizens and currently living in NZ. They both are getting NZ superannuation at the moment, but they are wanting to move to Australia in the near future and I would like to know if they would be able to apply and get AUS pension over there after 26 weeks. They have never lived in AUS before but I understand there is a International Social Security Agreement between the two countries that state “your total Australian residence combined with your period(s) of coverage in New Zealand must add up to at least 10 years”. Does this mean they’ll be able to get AUS pension after living there for a period of time? If so, how long do they need to live in AUS for to be able to apply for it? (They have been living and working in NZ since 2002, and have never lived in AUS before). Thank you. Reply JJ Smith 28 July 2022 - 1:30 pm Hi Nicole, Thanks for your comment. “Your total Australian residence combined with your period(s) of coverage in New Zealand must add up to at least 10 years”, means that a person must have lived in New Zealand and/or Australia for at least 10 years. They do have to have lived in Australia at all. There 20 years is definitely sufficient. There is no newly arrived resident’s waiting period for the Australia age pension for NZ citizens. Please feel free to email me back any further questions you have. Good luck with your move. Reply Izzy 26 July 2022 - 1:12 pm Hi there, I’m on NZ Superannuation and want to know if I can stay in Australia with my son for 26 weeks, then return to NZ for a while before going back to Australia again. How long do I need to stay in NZ between my extended visits to Australia – to ensure I retain my NZ Super? Reply JJ Smith 28 July 2022 - 2:07 pm Hi Izzy, Thank you for your comment. There is no time frame stated anywhere for the length of time you are able to visit Australia while still retaining your NZ Super. I have recently had a similar question, so I put the below to a financial adviser I know: ‘Is it possible to continue to receive your NZ pension while living the majority of the time in Australia. Example: returning to NZ after 25 weeks, staying for a few weeks, and then returning to Australia for another 25 weeks.’ This is the response I got from the financial adviser: My understanding is that people are obliged to tell work and income how much time they’re spending away. There are, indeed, rules about being away more than 25 weeks but I think if someone’s pretty much residing in Australia and trying to game the system, they’ll be caught out and have to repay any benefits they weren’t entitled to. One of the problems with people being caught in Australia during the Covid-related travel bans was they ended up being away more than 25 weeks and lost some of their pension entitlement, as I understand it. So, in essence work and income will look at where they normally “reside” and if it’s not New Zealand the pension will be pro rated. Have a look at this link which isn’t conclusive but certainly stresses the “tell us” rule: https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/pensions/travelling-or-moving/going-overseas-super/index.html. Therefore, you are able to visit Australia regularly but to continue to receive your NZ Super you will need to live in NZ. Please feel free to email me back any further questions you have. Good luck with your move. Reply Brenton 25 July 2022 - 1:38 am Can you tell me if I’m receiving the Australian age pension on an unprotected visa can I do as Australian citizens do and live outside Australia and still receive my pension? I know you lose the supplement add ons. Reply JJ Smith 1 August 2022 - 10:56 am Hi Brenton, Thanks for your comment. Unfortunately, I’m not a financial adviser, so only relay what information I can find online. I know we have almost the same rights as Australian citizens when living in Australia, but if you leave Australia your SCV will cease. Next time you enter Australia, they will grant you a new SCV if you still meet the eligibility requirements. If you are visiting another country for a holiday, then you shouldn’t have any problem, but I don’t know about living outside Australia as an NZ citizen on an SCV. I recommend you will have to contact Centrelink and ask them, or another financial service. Sorry I couldn’t be of more help. Reply Peter 25 June 2022 - 3:20 pm Hi, My wife and I are retired and receive $2900 tax free fortnightly from the Government Superannuation Fund (as ex public sector employees). Will this be counted as income and in effect disqualify us from receiving the Australian Age pension. Reply JJ Smith 30 June 2022 - 11:01 am Hi Peter, Thanks for your email. Unfortunately, I am not a financial adviser and can only share what information I’ve been able to find online. I recommend you talk to Work and Income if you are based in NZ or Centrelink if you are in Australia already. Have you tried the Age Pension calculator on SuperGuide (https://www.superguide.com.au/in-retirement/age-pension-calculator)? There is a comment section at the bottom and they might be able to help you, as they know more about pensions than I do. When you find out, can you please let me know, as it will really help other visitors to my site? Thanks Reply Lucy 23 June 2022 - 8:11 pm Hi JJ Your website has been super helpful with my questions but I was just wondering if I could have some advice on my current situation. I am a NZ citizen, approaching 65 and wanting to move across the ditch to join my son and his family in Australia. Would I be eligible for Australian Age Pension once I start receiving it here in NZ and move across? I have worked in NZ for about 10 years and have lived here for nearly 20. I plan on selling my current home which is valued at about $600,000 and am aware that is above the assets threshold so how would that effect the pension I receive? Any advice would be much appreciated! Thank you Kind regards Lucy Reply JJ Smith 30 June 2022 - 11:44 am Hi Lucy, Thanks for your comment. Unfortunately, I am not a financial adviser and can only share what information I’ve been able to find online. However, you don’t need to wait until you are receiving the pension here to move, as you have worked in NZ for 10 years you are eligible for the Australian pension when you turn 65 in both countries. Regarding the asset test, are you planning on buying a house in Australia? As your home is not counted as an asset. This age pension calculator will be able to help you work out how much pension you will receive in Australia: https://www.superguide.com.au/in-retirement/age-pension-calculator. Hope the above helps. Please feel free to email me back any further questions you have. Good luck with your move. Reply Kien 12 August 2022 - 4:57 pm Hi JJ My mother in law turns 65 in January 2023 and has been living in AU for 5 years, but before that worked in NZ for 15 years running her own business. She is a NZ citizen, Can you claim the age pension when she turns 65 in AU or does she need to go back to NZ. Everyone I’ve asked said you need to be 67 before you can get the pension in AU. Reply JJ Smith 16 August 2022 - 1:40 pm Hi Kien, Thanks for your comment. Yes, your mother in law will not be eligible to receive the Australia age pension until she is 66.5 years old. She would need to move back to NZ to receive the NZ pension at 65 years old. Please note, that I am not a financial adviser and can only communicate what I’ve researched online. You can always contact Work and Income and Centrelink to get clarification. Sorry I couldn’t be of more help. Reply Allison Butters 22 June 2022 - 1:51 pm Hi I am a single 72 year old , I have a house in nz If I sold my house in nz and bought one in Australia for AUD 550k then transfer my remaining cash to Australia I would have house in Australia worth 550k in retirement village and approx AUD 300,000 cash Would I still be able to claim full pension In Australia Reply JJ Smith 1 July 2022 - 10:45 am Hi Allison, Thank you for your comment. I’ve put the information you’ve given me into the age pension calculator and this is the outcome: Total value of assets: $300,000 Deemed income from investments: $5,615 (total income) Per person per fortnight $927.60 So you won’t be penalized too much for the $300,000 cash (full amount $967.50). Here is the link to the calculator: https://www.superguide.com.au/in-retirement/age-pension-calculator. I recommend you sell your house before you leave NZ, so you don’t have to pay capital gains tax in Australia. You can read more about that here: https://www.movingtoaustralia.co.nz/buying-a-house-in-australia/. To make sure you keep the majority of your money when you transfer it to Australia, I recommend you transfer it through XE. Here is my Foreign Exchange/Money Transfer post that explains how the process works: https://www.movingtoaustralia.co.nz/foreign-exchange-money-transfer/. Please feel free to email me back any further questions you have. Good luck with your move. Reply Dave 10 June 2022 - 1:26 pm Hello Kiwis getting the pension in Australia appears to be quite a complex issue – to me anyway. Can I please ask you if you would mind telling us how much our pension would be reduced if, eg, we have: A freehold house valued at say $1.2 milion. A car. Furniture in the house. $500K in investments. Thank you. Regards Dave Reply Suzanne Dennis Lillian Margaret Dennis 29 May 2022 - 10:17 am Hi JJ I have lived in Australia since 1980. I am turning 65 next month and was wondering am I entiled to the Australian pension. I am a permanant resident and have worked the whole time I haved lived here. Reply JJ Smith 13 June 2022 - 2:56 pm Hi Suzanne, Thank you for your comment. Sorry for the delay in replying. I cannot see any reason why you wouldn’t be entitled to the Australia pension. You will still have to pass the income and asset tests. You can use this Age Pension calculator to work out how much you will receive: https://www.superguide.com.au/in-retirement/age-pension-calculator. I recommend you contact Centerlink about applying. Thanks Reply Roxanne 18 May 2022 - 7:26 pm Hi JJ, My New Zealand husband has been living in Australia for around 15 years, he was born in 1972. He was worked full time since he was 15 and now self employed. I have lived in Australia my whole life and was born in 1975. I have also worked full time since I was 17/18 taking a few years off to raise my two children. Would we be entitled to an Australian and would he get a portion of the New Zealand pension. He was told that anyone born 1971 and after there is no pension available to them in Oz. Thank you Regards, Roxanne Reply JJ Smith 19 May 2022 - 11:49 am Hi Roxanne, Thanks for your comment. Who did he get advice from? I have never come across anything that supports a NZ citizen born 1971 and after isn’t eligible for an Australian pension. Everything that I have read online, which is a lot, says that you would both be eligible for the Australia pension under Australia’s international social security agreement with New Zealand. It would only be if he didn’t pass the income and asset tests. I recommend you contact Centrelink and talk to a representative for confirmation of the above. Please let me know if I am wrong, as it will help a lot of other New Zealanders. Thanks Reply Jean 7 May 2022 - 10:10 am Hi, I have just discovered your website and I am 100% sure it will be more than useful with your information, detail, tips and apparent honesty about what is necessary to move myself from Tauranga to Melbourne. However it is all very overwhelming and I have not been able to zone in on one particular important factor. I am a NZ citizen, nearly 70, and live mortgage free in Tauranga. I would like to move to Melbourne to be nearer my children. My most important decision is do I sell my house (perhaps get $600k) or rent it out (could get $500 pw). Instinct tells me that I should rent because I could possibly/probably pay less than that to rent for a couple of years, then sell in NZ and buy a smaller retirement unit in Melbourne. My concern is – how does this affect the means testing for my AU pension? I am not looking to ‘make’ money from my rental, but would love it to be enough to cover the cost of my rent. Will this be penalised with a reduced pension? I need to make the decision to sell or rent out in Tauranga before I can do anything else. Please can you point me to the correct place in your web site – or any other Australian website – that would explain the process in simple language. I have already had many sleepless nights with this process – I am hopeful that you and your website will be able to make it a bit easier for me. Many thanks, Jean Reply JJ Smith 12 May 2022 - 12:37 am Hi Jean, Thank you for your message. Australia pension is income and asset tested. Everything is explained on this page : https://www.movingtoaustralia.co.nz/can-a-nz-citizen-get-an-australian-benefit-or-pension/#AustraliaAgePensionPaymentRates. Here are the calculations for the figures you gave me (perhaps $600k, rental $500 pw)… If you are a single person then the $1,000 fortnightly income puts you well above the $180 income rules for pensioners. If you are a couple it is $320 which you are still well above. You will lose 50 cents for each dollar you are over $180 (1000 – 180 = 820, 820 x .5 = $410). Your asset of $600,000 is over the single asset limit for non-home owners of $487,000, as your home is an overseas asset (600,000 – 487,000 = 113,000, 113,000 ÷ 250 = $452). 882.20 – single pension max rate 410 – minus your income 452 – minus your assets $20.20 – left of your pension. Where as if you sold your home before you left you won’t have the income or the asset and then your assets would be tested on anything additional up to $270,500 for home owners. The cost of your home is not taken into consideration. You also need to calculate the capital gains tax you will have to pay after you sell your home in NZ while living in Australia: https://www.movingtoaustralia.co.nz/buying-a-house-in-australia/#CapitalGainsTax. Therefore you either live off your rental in NZ or off the Australian pension. Please feel free to email me back any further questions you have. Good luck with your move. Reply Susan English 30 April 2022 - 2:29 pm I am a 78 year old woman. I was born in the UK in1944, moved to New Zealand in 1965. I have my New Zealand citizenship. I moved to the UK in 2006 as my father died to care for my 90 year old mother. I had completed 35 years working in New Zealand. After my mother passed I have continued to live here in the UK. I received a British pension as I had worked 35 years. My three children, all born in New Zealand, moved to Australia where they have now lived for,the past 20 years. As I am here alone in the UK they want me to live with them in Australia. Can you please advise me whether I would be eligible for Medicare in Australia. Many thanks. Reply JJ Smith 13 May 2022 - 2:17 pm Hi Susan, Thank you for your comment and sorry for the delay in replying. That’s very exciting that you will be moving to be with your children. Family is everything to me. As an NZ Citizen you are eligible for Medicare Australia. However you do need to either be living in Australia for 6 months or provide proof that you’ll be living here for the next 6 months: https://www.movingtoaustralia.co.nz/medicare-australia/. I know you are able to transfer your UK pension to Australia and there are a lot of companies that would help you do that. Here is the international contact information for Services Australia. They should be able to answer any questions you have regarding Medicare, transferring your pension and anything else you are concerned about: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/how-we-can-help-with-international-services?context=22471. Please feel free to email me back any further questions you have. Good luck with your move. Reply Sarah 23 April 2022 - 4:13 pm Hi JJ My parents are kiwis and have a house in Nz and Australia but they want to live in Australia full time now they are 80 years old! They need advice on how to organise their finances in NZ to make sensible choices re private and government pensions, investments, house sale etc Is their a person or a company you can suggest that they can use yo give them this advice please? Ty Sarah Reply JJ Smith 12 May 2022 - 11:52 pm Hi Sarah, Thank you for your comment and sorry for the delay in replying. Here is the link to an Australian government website My Aged Care. It looks fantastic and offers help in lots of areas including financial.: https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/. On their financial support and advice page you can find organisations that can help and other helpful info: https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/financial-support-and-advice. Have a read of the above and if you have any questions you can call them and they will point you in the right direction. Please feel free to email me back any further questions you have. Reply Wayne 2 March 2022 - 5:50 am Hi My wife and I are thinking of moving to Melbourne to be near three of our children. I receive the NZ pension; my wife doesn’t currently qualify. My question is in regard to asset tests, if we sell our property in NZ and transfer the money to Aussie this would put us way above the $405,000 threshold. I note you need to apply for the pension in Aussie within 4 weeks after arrival, however we would not have bought a property in Aussie in that timeframe. Once we buy a property this would probably mean we would be below the asset threshold and qualify for the pension. Do they take into account you plan to buy a home with the money you have before applying asset tests? Reply JJ Smith 2 March 2022 - 11:29 pm Hi Wayne, Thank you for your comment. Yes they do take into account that you are a non-home owner. You have 26 weeks to buy a home in Australia, as you will receive your NZ pension until then. You need to apply earlier, before you’ve been in Australia for 4 weeks. You will be asset tested at the high limit (non-home owners) for couples, which is $621,500. And I’m sure they will re-test your assets after you have brought a home. I do recommend you discuss this with Centrerlink when you collect the forms. Have a read from here: https://www.movingtoaustralia.co.nz/can-a-nz-citizen-get-an-australian-benefit-or-pension/#AlreadyreceiveaNZpayment. Make sure you have a good read of my foreign exchange post, as you will save thousands if you are transferring over enough to buy a home: https://www.movingtoaustralia.co.nz/foreign-exchange-money-transfer/. XE are a extremely trustworthy company with a fantastic customer support team. You can talk to them on the phone about any concerns you have, or jump right into their app and discover everything you need to know. Please feel free to email me back any further questions you have. Good luck with your move. Reply Sandy 19 February 2022 - 11:50 pm I am 69, receiving the NZ pension and want to relocate to Sydney to be close to my son and granddaughter. I have some investment income and own my own home. Will I be able to receive Aus pension more or less equivalent to NZ payment … which i would need to live in Sydney? Or would I have to return to NZ for a couple of weeks twice a year. I really want to make this move but don’t want to find i just can’t afford it Reply JJ Smith 21 February 2022 - 2:09 am Hi Sandy, Thanks for your comment. Your income can reduce how much you will get paid. The test will assess your income from all sources. If you’re over the limit, you get a lower pension. These are the income rules for most single pensioners: – Single person with income up to $180 per fortnight – you will get full pension. – Single person with income over $180 per fortnight – your pension will reduce by 50 cents for each dollar over $180. Here is the link so you can see how much you can get, which for a single person is between $882.20 – $967.50: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/how-much-age-pension-you-can-get?context=22526. If you decide to move you would need to sell your NZ home before you leave, so it doesn’t add to your income and overseas assets. You would you would also have to pay tax and stamp duty on the sale if you sold once living in Australia. You would then buy a new home in Australia, as your home does not get calculated into your assets. Assets include any: – financial investments – home contents, personal effects and vehicles – real estate, annuities, income streams and superannuation pensions – sole traders, partnerships, private trusts and private companies. Your home is not counted as an asset when calculating pension or payment, but it does affect how your pension or payment is assessed under the assets test. If you are a homeowner your asset value limit is lower than someone who does not own their residence. The asset value limit is the amount of assets a person can own before their pension or payment will reduce from the maximum rate under the assets test. Example: Currently the asset value limit for a single service pension homeowner is $270,500 and for a single service pension non-homeowner is $487,000. The current maximum rate of single service pension is $967.50. A single homeowner on service pension has $501,250 in assets. Their rate of pension under the assets test would equal $275.25 a fortnight. If the same person was a non-homeowner their rate of pension would equal $924.75 a fortnight. For more information on how the assets test works, refer to Assets Test: https://www.dva.gov.au/financial-support/income-support/what-changes-your-payments/your-income-and-assets/assets-test. There is also the option of ‘gifting’ extra assets. However, I haven’t been able to find any advise on doing this before you leave NZ so it is not part of your asset test. Here is some general info on gifting: https://aware.com.au/blog/gifting-rules. I hope the above helped. Please feel free to email me back any further questions you have. Good luck with your move. Reply « 1 2 3 4 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.
