Veteran's Pension

If you’ve served in NZ’s Armed Forces, you may be able to get a Veteran’s Pension when you turn 65.

Who can get it

You may be able to apply for a Veteran’s Pension if you:

  • are 65 or older, and
  • served in the NZ Armed Forces on qualifying operational service.

You’ll also need to meet the residency requirements to qualify.

Who can get Veteran’s pension — Work and Income

List of Qualifying Operational Service — Veterans’ Affairs

You can get a Veteran’s Pension or NZ Superannuation (NZ Super), not both.

How to apply

Call the Veteran’s Pension Centre to talk about your circumstances and they’ll explain how to apply. From the time you contact them, you’ll have to complete your application — including providing the supporting documents.

Apply for a Veteran’s Pension — Work and Income

What you get

The Veteran’s Pension is paid fortnightly. How much you get depends on your situation and what tax code you use.

How much you can get for Veteran’s Pension — Work and Income

Community Services Card

If you get a Veteran’s Pension rather than NZ Super, you automatically get a Community Services Card.

Community Services Card

When a person receiving a Veteran’s Pension dies

Your surviving partner or dependent children may be able to get a lump sum or regular payments to help.

When someone getting Veteran’s Pension dies — Work and Income

Surviving Spouse or Partner pension — Veterans’ Affairs

There may also be other assistance your family can get from Veterans’ Affairs.

When you die — Veterans’ Affairs

Utility links and page information

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