Apply for NZ Super

You can apply online through MyMSD for New Zealand Superannuation, unless you live overseas.

This page has information on how to apply for NZ Super. More information, e.g. who can get it and how much you can get, is on our page:

When to apply for NZ Super

You can apply now for NZ Super if either:

• your 65th birthday is in the next 12 weeks, or
• you're already 65.

If you're 64 and you're not turning 65 in the next 12 weeks, you need to come back and apply when your birthday is in the next 12 weeks.

When you get paid

If you apply before you turn 65 or on the day you turn 65, you will be paid from your 65th birthday.

If you apply after you turn 65, you will be paid from the date you apply.

How to apply

You have 20 working days from the date you first contact us to complete the application process.

Follow the steps below to apply for NZ Super.

• If you're living overseas, you'll need to follow a different process.
• If you've already started an application, you can continue your saved application.

1. You need a client number to apply

This is a 9 digit number we issue you the first time you deal with us. This could be through Work and Income, StudyLink, Seniors or Youth Services.

If you don't have a client number, or can't remember it, you can request one by completing an online form. Then we'll email or text one to you within 1-2 working days.

2. Log in to MyMSD

You'll need to register for MyMSD first if you haven't already done this.

If you're already registered, you can log in as you normally would.

Register for MyMSD

• your client number (this is a 9 digit number we issue you the first time you deal with us, e.g: 123-456-789)
• the email address or phone number you've registered with us.

Don't have a mobile phone and email address

If you don't own a mobile phone and you haven't got an email address, you'll need to fill out the paper form.

3. Fill in the online form

The online form should take around 30 minutes to complete. We won't see anything on your form until you submit it.

Information you'll need to provide

• Your IRD number and tax code
• Your bank account details (if we don't already have these)
• Details if you or your partner were born abroad, travelled or lived overseas

Apply for other payments

If you want to also apply for help with housing, medical or other essential costs, you'll need to provide additional information

Saving your answers

• You need to complete and submit your form within 60 days, otherwise it will be deleted.
• If you've started it, you can save it and come back to it later - you'll start from your last completed page that was saved.

If the application times out

• If you don't do anything on the same page for more than 5 minutes you'll be logged out.

4. Submit your online form

Once you submit your form:

• you won't be able to change your answers. If you need to make changes, call us - you may need to complete a new application depending on your changes
• you'll get:
  • an application reference number
  • 'Next steps' instructions (including a list of documents you need to provide us)
  • a confirmation email with your application reference number and next steps (if you provided an email address in the online form).

  5. After you've submitted your form

  You'll get a page that confirms your application has been submitted. What you have to do next is based on the information you provided in your application.

  You'll be asked to either:

  • do your next steps in MyMSD, or
  • print, sign and send us your form and supporting documents.

  If you've been asked to do your next steps in MyMSD

  • read and accept your obligations in MyMSD
  • gather your supporting documents - MyMSD will tell you what these are and how to upload them online
  • verify your identity if this is your first time applying. You can either do this:
    • online using Identity Check, or
    • by bringing your government-issued identity document into a service centre (you can do this during an appointment or without one)

    If you've been asked to print, sign and send us your form and supporting documents

    You need to print it out your application form from the 'Application form submitted' page. You'll get to this page after you submit your application.

    If you can't print your application, call us and we'll post a copy to you.

    You'll need to send your application and supporting documents to us. We'll let you know the best way to do this. You can also bring it into a service centre. You don’t need an appointment.

    If you can't complete any of these steps, or you have a question, talk to us about ways we can help.

    6. If your application's approved

    SuperGold Card

    If your NZ Super is approved, we'll automatically send you a SuperGold Card. It gives you instant discounts and special offers at thousands of businesses across New Zealand, and in Australia.

    If you have a Community Services Card

    If you have a Community Services Card, it will stop working when your NZ Super is approved. This is because there's been a change in your circumstances (i.e. your income).

    You'll need to re-apply for a new card.

    When you reapply, we'll send you a 'combo' card. This is a combination of both your Community Services Card and your SuperGold card. You'll be able to use your 'combo' card for all discounts and subsidies that the 2 cards provides.

    Your combo card will have the initials 'CSC' on the back, as well as the expiry date. This identifies it as a combo card.

    Living overseas

    Cook Islands, Niue or Tokelau

    If you live in the Cook Islands, Niue or Tokelau, you need to complete and sign an application form.

    Another country

    We'll check if you qualify for NZ Super and let you know how to apply.