Around 1.5 million New Zealanders will receive increased payments next week.
Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston announced that from April 1, most Ministry of Social Development (MSD) payment rates will increase through the Annual General Adjustment (AGA). This year's adjustment means a 2-3 percent rise in payments for various groups, including superannuitants, veterans, main beneficiaries, students, and non-beneficiaries receiving supplementary assistance.
According to MSD, 933,200 superannuitants and 4,900 veterans will see an increase in their New Zealand Superannuation and Veteran's Pension. Main beneficiaries (409,300) and students (47,400) will also receive higher payments. Non-beneficiaries receiving supplementary assistance are expected to benefit from the increase.
The AGA aims to reflect the cost-of-living changes, with benefit rates keeping pace with the Consumers Price Index since 2024. Pensioners will notice a total increase of around 3 percent, due to the relationship between their payments and the net average wage. This uplift is part of the Government's efforts to support Kiwis during the cost-of-living crisis.