NZ Government Content

Income support for the person cared for

New Zealand Superannuation

This is for people who are 65 years or over and have lived in New Zealand for at least a total of 10 years since turning 20 (and five of those years since turning 50).

You can apply online for New Zealand Superannuation at http://www.msd.govt.nz/what-we-can-do/seniorcitizens/index.html

Or talk to Senior Services

Veteran's Pension

This is for people who have a disability that is due to their service as a member of the New Zealand Armed Forces. It is paid at the same rate as New Zealand Superannuation.

Talk to Senior Services about the Veteran's Pension.

Extra financial assistance for people 65 and over is available from Senior Services at the Ministry of Social Development.

This includes Accommodation Supplement, Disability Allowance, Assistance for hardship and Funeral Grant.

Invalid’s Benefit

Invalid's Benefit helps people who are permanently and severely limited in how much work they can do because they have an ongoing sickness, injury or disability.

It can also mean the illness is terminal and the person is not expected to live more than two years.  The person can't work regularly for 15 hours or more a week.

People who are totally blind can receive this benefit.

A medical certificate is required to confirm the condition.  The Invalid's Benefit has an income test.

Talk to Work and Income for more information.

Sickness Benefit

The Sickness Benefit helps people who are willing to work, but aren't currently working, or are working less hours, because they are sick, injured, disabled or pregnant. 

A person may get this benefit if, because of their sickness, injury, disability or pregnancy, they:

  • have had to reduce their hours
  • have had to stop working
  • are not working or are working part-time and find it hard to look for and do full-time work.

A Work Capacity Medical Certificate (or medical certificate with the same information) is required.  A person may have to look for work if they are able to work part-time.

The Sickness Benefit also has an income test. Talk to Work and Income for more information.