Financial help and benefits if you’re over 65

Most New Zealanders over 65 can get NZ Super. For lower incomes, you may also be able to get government help to pay for regular costs or unexpected expenses.

Other payments you may be able to get

If you have a low income, you may be able to get other payments in addition to your New Zealand Superannuation (NZ Super) or pension.

There are different payments you may be able to get to help you, for example:

  • accommodation supplement
  • disability allowance
  • community services card.

Work and Income have an online tool you can use to check what other payments and assistance you can get.

Other payments for seniors — Work and Income

Help with paying for urgent or unexpected costs

If you’re struggling to meet your living costs or you get an unexpected bill, you may be able to get some help.

There’s financial help available for a range of expenses, for example:

  • food
  • car and house repairs
  • medical costs and dental treatment
  • power and water bills
  • whiteware, such as a fridge or washing machine.

Some of these payments you’ll have to pay back and some others you will not.

Urgent or unexpected costs — Work and Income

Housing and household costs

You can get help to pay for:

  • rent or board
  • your mortgage
  • your rates — including a rebate or refund from your local council, or postponing payments until you or your estate can pay
  • low-cost housing through central government or your local council.

Get financial help with housing

Transport costs

SuperGold Card

You can use your SuperGold Card to get free or cheaper public transport. You can also get discounts on some council services and from many businesses in New Zealand.

SuperGold Cards

If you do not have a car

You can get help to use and pay for other kinds of transport.

Coping without a car if you’re over 65

If you have a car

You may be able to get help to pay for car repairs if you need the car to get to work, because you have an illness or disability, or because you cannot use public transport.

Car repairs — Work and Income

If you’re injured and the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) has accepted your claim, you can get help with some costs.

Transport and getting around after an injury — ACC

If you’re disabled or have health problems

The government provides services and financial help if you’re disabled or have health problems. You can get help with:

  • paying for doctor’s visits and prescriptions
  • managing day-to-day and routine tasks in your home
  • paying for long-term care in a rest home or hospital
  • transport for medical reasons.

Government help with healthcare if you’re over 65

Getting help with budgeting and finances

Financial abuse and scams — protect yourself and others

Anyone can be a victim of financial abuse. Find out about financial abuse and scams and how to protect yourself:

Managing your money

Most New Zealanders will be able to get NZ Super. Managing savings and several sources of income can be difficult — especially when you do not know for how long you’re planning. The Sorted website has advice to help you with your money:

Professional advice

You can get professional advice to help with budgeting and managing your money:

If you cannot get NZ Super

You can still apply for government help if you cannot get NZ Super — for example, because you’re not a permanent NZ resident or have not lived here for long enough.

If you cannot get NZ Super or other benefits

More information

Different organisations can help you with your retirement and other related topics.

Who to contact for more help

If you need more help or have questions about the information or services on this page, contact one of the following agencies.

Utility links and page information

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