How much you qualify for depends on your living arrangement, and if you have a partner, whether one or both of you qualify:
| NZ Superannuation | Annually | Weekly |
| Couples (both partners qualify) | $20,465 approx | $393.56 |
| Couple (one partner qualifies) | $19,514 approx | $375.28 |
| Married person | $10,232 approx | $196.78 |
| Single (living alone) | $13,302 approx | $255.81 |
| Single (sharing) | $12,279 approx | $236.14 |
To ensure NZS is fair, the New Zealand Superannuation Act 2001 requires that weekly rates of NZS be adjusted so that it is in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and wage rates.
On 1 April each year the weekly rates of NZS are adjusted in line with any percentage increase in the CPI. The CPI measures the rate of price change of goods and services purchased by households. It is important to note that when the CPI goes down, the NZS does not go down.
The Act also stipulates that any adjustment to the standard (i.e. after tax) weekly amount of NZS payable to a married couple must not be less than 65 percent or more than 72.5 percent of the net average ordinary time weekly earnings, as determined by the last quarterly employment survey.
Legislation also requires that the standard weekly amount of NZS payable to a single person who has been granted a 'living alone payment' is 65 percent of the net weekly amount of NZS payable to a married couple. Where a single person has not been granted a living alone payment, the standard weekly amount is 60 percent of the net weekly amount of NZS payable to a married couple.
For most people, NZS provides a basic income. If you're already receiving NZS or will be doing so in the next few years, consider the following options to boost your income once you retire:
· Private savings such as income from private pensions, workplace pensions, investments, annuities and cash deposits.
· Keep working in retirement - you may be able to work part time, or continue your own business.
If you haven't given much thought to retirement because it is still some time away , consider doing a budget to work out where your money is going and whether you can afford to start a retirement savings plan to enjoy your older years to the full.
You can find an easy-to-use budget calculator as well information about debt reduction and savings plans at the Retirement Commission's Sorted website
www.sorted.org.nz 
