Veteran Pension New Zealand 2026: Complete Guide
New Zealand’s Veteran’s Pension is a fortnightly, taxable payment for veterans aged 65 or older who have Qualifying Operational Service. From April 1, 2026, the standard weekly rates are NZD $647.37 for a single person living alone, $595.57 for a single person sharing accommodation, and $492.14 per person for couples, with a maximum relationship rate of $984.28 per week when a partner is not receiving a pension . The pension is administered by the Ministry of Social Development and can be applied for up to eight weeks before you turn 65 through the Veteran’s Pension Centre . It automatically comes with extra benefits, including a Community Services Card, no reduction for long-term hospital care, and entitlements to lump-sum payments upon death .
Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Benefit | Veteran’s Pension (fortnightly payment) |
| Eligibility | Veterans aged 65+ with Qualifying Operational Service; NZ citizen/resident with minimum years lived in NZ |
| Application | Contact Veteran’s Pension Centre (0800 650 656) up to 8 weeks before turning 65 |
| Processing Time | 20 working days to complete application and submit documents |
| Official Agency | Ministry of Social Development (Work and Income) |
| Required Forms | Identity documents; proof of residence, bank account, and overseas pensions |
| Updated For 2026 | New rates effective 1 April 2026; Social Security (Modernisation) Amendment Act 2026 changes |
What Is the Veteran’s Pension?
Overview of the Payment
The Veteran’s Pension is a regular payment for former service personnel, similar to New Zealand Superannuation but with specific benefits for those who served in the NZ Armed Forces .
What it is: A fortnightly, taxable income payment for veterans who have reached age 65 and have Qualifying Operational Service.
Who qualifies: Veterans who served in the New Zealand Armed Forces on Qualifying Operational Service and meet the residence requirements .
Why it matters: The Veteran’s Pension often provides higher income than NZ Superannuation, plus unique entitlements like preserving the pension during long-term hospital care and lump-sum death payments.
What to do next: If you are turning 65 soon, contact the Veteran’s Pension Centre eight weeks before your birthday to start the application . You can also call Work and Income at 0800 650 656.
2026 Payment Rates
Fortnightly and Weekly Rates
All rates are effective from 1 April 2026 and are subject to income tax .
Standard Weekly Rates
| Living Situation | Weekly Rate (NZD) |
|---|---|
| Single person living alone | $647.37 |
| Single person sharing accommodation | $595.57 |
| Relationship rate (each person) | $492.14 |
| Relationship (partner not receiving pension) | $933.16 |
| Relationship (partner not receiving pension) – legacy rate | $984.28 |
Fortnightly Payment Examples (Before Tax)
| Living Situation | Before Tax |
|---|---|
| Single, living alone or with dependent child | $1,294.74 |
| Single, sharing with someone 18+ | $1,191.14 |
| Both partners eligible | $984.28 each |
Disability and Family Pensions
Veterans May Qualify for Extra Benefits
Check available financial assistance, healthcare programs and other opportunities that may apply to you.
Check EligibilityIf you have a service-related impairment, you may also be eligible for a Disablement Pension paid alongside your Veteran’s Pension. As of 1 April 2026, the maximum weekly rate for a 85-100% impairment is $515.34 .
| Pension Type | Weekly Amount (NZD) |
|---|---|
| Surviving Spouse or Partner Pension | $216.02 |
| Children’s Pension | $231.29 |
| Dependant’s Pension | $216.02 |
Who Qualifies for Veteran’s Pension?
Basic Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for Veteran’s Pension, you must meet several requirements :
Service Requirement: You must have Qualifying Operational Service. This means you served in the New Zealand Armed Forces in an operational area or specific qualifying service recognized by legislation.
Age Requirement: You must be 65 years or older.
Citizenship and Residence: You must be a:
New Zealand citizen, permanent resident, or hold a residence class visa
Ordinarily resident in New Zealand, the Cook Islands, Niue, or Tokelau when you apply
Have lived in New Zealand for a specific number of years since turning 20, including 5 years after turning 50
| Date of Birth | Minimum Years Lived in NZ |
|---|---|
| On or before 30 June 1959 | 10 years |
| 1 July 1959 – 30 June 1961 | 11 years |
| 1 July 1961 – 30 June 1963 | 12 years |
| 1 July 1963 – 30 June 1965 | 13 years |
| 1 July 1965 – 30 June 1967 | 14 years |
| 1 July 1967 – 30 June 1969 | 15 years |
| 1 July 1969 – 30 June 1971 | 16 years |
| 1 July 1971 – 30 June 1973 | 17 years |
| 1 July 1973 – 30 June 1975 | 18 years |
| 1 July 1975 – 30 June 1977 | 19 years |
| On or after 1 July 1977 | 20 years |
Living Overseas: If you live in a country that has a Social Security Agreement (SSA) with New Zealand, you may still be eligible. SSA countries include Australia, Canada, Denmark, Greece, Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey, Malta, the Netherlands, South Korea, and the United Kingdom .
Qualifying Operational Service and Reserves
What is Qualifying Operational Service? It is service in the New Zealand Armed Forces in designated operational areas. If you are unsure whether you qualify, contact the Veteran’s Pension Centre to check your eligibility.
Reservists: New Zealand Defence Force reservists may also qualify if they meet the service criteria.
How the Pension Is Affected by Other Income
Abatement (Income Test)
Your Veteran’s Pension may be reduced if you receive other income, but this primarily applies if you are under 65 or have included your partner in your payments .
For veterans aged 65+ with a partner included: You and your partner can earn up to **$160 per week** (before tax) before it affects your payment. For every dollar over $160, your payment reduces by 70 cents .
If you are under 65: Once you and your partner earn over $160 a week:
Income between $160 and $250 reduces payment by 30 cents per dollar
Income over $250 reduces payment by 70 cents per dollar .
Overseas Pensions: Any overseas pension you receive will affect your Veteran’s Pension.
Tax: The pension is taxable, and your tax code depends on your total income situation. If you only receive the Veteran’s Pension, use tax code ‘M’ .
How to Apply for the Veteran’s Pension
Application Process
Step 1: Contact the Veteran’s Pension Centre
Call 0800 650 656 to discuss your circumstances. You can apply up to eight weeks before you turn 65. Applying early is crucial, as you will only be paid from the date you apply, not the date you turned 65 .
Step 2: Complete Your Application Within 20 Working Days
You have 20 working days from your first contact to submit the application and all required supporting documents. If you cannot complete it in time, contact the Centre to ask for an extension; otherwise, you may need to reapply .
Step 3: Gather Required Documents
You will need to provide :
Proof of NZ residence (e.g., NZ birth certificate, passport, or residence visa)
2 or more identity documents (one at least 2 years old)
Proof of bank account number
Proof of any overseas pension you receive
If under 65, proof of the medical condition preventing you from working (completed by your doctor)
Step 4: Wait for Approval
Once approved, the Veteran’s Pension is paid fortnightly on Tuesdays. You will automatically receive a Community Services Card and a Veteran SuperGold Card .
2026 Payment Dates
Veteran’s Pension is paid every two weeks on a Tuesday. If a public holiday falls on a payment date, the payment is made earlier .
| Month | Payment Dates (2026) |
|---|---|
| January | 13, 27 |
| February | 10, 24 |
| March | 10, 24 |
| April | 7 (paid 3 April due to Easter), 21 |
| May | 5, 19 |
| June | 2, 16, 30 |
| July | 14, 28 |
| August | 11, 25 |
| September | 8, 22 |
| October | 6, 20 |
| November | 3, 17 |
| December | 1, 15, 29 |
Extra Benefits of the Veteran’s Pension
Compared to NZ Superannuation, the Veteran’s Pension provides additional support :
Community Services Card: Automatic entitlement (combined with the Veteran SuperGold Card) providing discounts on healthcare and other services.
Long-term Hospital Care: Your pension is not reduced if you need long-term hospital care, unlike NZ Superannuation.
Lump Sum Payments:
Upon your death, your partner or children may receive a lump sum payment of $7,816.36
Upon the death of your partner, you may receive a lump sum payment of $5,960.20
Winter Energy Payment: An extra payment to help with heating costs over winter, paid automatically if you are eligible .
2026 Legislative Changes
Several legislative changes affect the Veteran’s Pension in 2026:
Veterans’ Support Act 2014: The Notice of Authority issued under section 170 formalizes the 2026 rate increases .
Social Security (Modernisation) Amendment Act 2026: This Act, which commenced on 1 July 2026, introduces new provisions for the mandatory review of specified benefits, including the Veteran’s Pension .
Regulation 42A (Abatement): The abatement rules (as inserted in 2020) continue to apply, reducing the pension by 30 or 70 cents for each dollar of certain income over $160 per week .
Common Questions
1. What is the difference between Veteran’s Pension and NZ Superannuation?
Both are fortnightly payments, but the Veteran’s Pension is for those with Qualifying Operational Service. It has extra benefits: preservation during long-term hospital care, a Community Services Card, and lump sum payments for death events .
2. How much is the Veteran’s Pension in 2026?
As of 1 April 2026, the weekly rate is $647.37 for a single person living alone, $595.57 for a single sharer, and $492.14 per person for couples .
3. Who can receive the Veteran’s Pension?
You must be aged 65+, have served in the NZ Armed Forces on Qualifying Operational Service, be a resident, and have lived in NZ for the required number of years since age 20 .
4. How do I apply for a Veteran’s Pension?
Call the Veteran’s Pension Centre on 0800 650 656. You can apply up to eight weeks before you turn 65. You have 20 working days to submit all documents .
5. Is the Veteran’s Pension taxable?
Yes, it is a taxable payment. The amount of tax depends on your total income and the tax code you use .
6. Does the Veteran’s Pension get abated due to other income?
Yes, if you are under 65 or have included your partner. You can earn up to $160 per week before payments are reduced. After that, reductions are 70 cents per dollar over the threshold .
7. When are Veteran’s Pension payments made?
Fortnightly on Tuesdays. The full list of 2026 dates is published by Work and Income .
8. Can I receive the Veteran’s Pension if I live overseas?
Possibly, if you live in a Social Security Agreement (SSA) country like Australia, Canada, the UK, or others .
9. What other benefits come with the Veteran’s Pension?
A Community Services Card, preserved payment during hospital care, and lump-sum death payments. You also automatically receive a SuperGold Card .
10. What is the lump sum death payment for a veteran?
The lump sum on death of the veteran is $7,816.36 for the partner or children .
11. What is the Qualifying Operational Service?
It is service in the New Zealand Armed Forces in designated operational areas. It determines eligibility for the Veteran’s Pension .
12. Is the Disablement Pension paid separately?
Yes. If you have a service-related impairment, the Disablement Pension is paid in addition to the Veteran’s Pension. Rates for 2026 range up to $515.34 per week for 85-100% impairment .
13. What are the 2026 Family Pension rates?
From 1 April 2026: Surviving Spouse or Partner Pension is $216.02/week; Children’s Pension is $231.29/week; Dependant’s Pension is $216.02/week .
Key Takeaways
2026 rates are confirmed: Single living alone $647.37/week; relationship rate $492.14 each .
Apply eight weeks before you turn 65 to secure your start date. If you apply later, you are not back-paid .
Contact the Veteran’s Pension Centre at 0800 650 656 to start your application .
You have 20 working days to submit all documents after first contact .
Other income reduces your pension if you are under 65 or have included a partner. The first $160 per week is exempt .
Extra benefits: Community Services Card, retention during hospital care, and lump-sum death payments ($7,816.36 for the veteran) .
Disablement and family pensions are paid separately for service-related impairments. 2026 rates are updated .
Legislative updates in 2026 include the Social Security (Modernisation) Amendment Act 2026 and the new abatement rules .
Official Resources
Veteran’s Pension Centre (Work and Income): 0800 650 656
Veterans’ Affairs New Zealand: veteransaffairs.mil.nz
Work and Income – Veteran’s Pension: workandincome.govt.nz
New Zealand Government – Payment Dates: govt.nz/browse/tax-benefits-and-finance
Veterans’ Support Act 2014: legislation.govt.nz
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