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We know that retirement isn’t the same for everyone. While some Members have managed to build up savings or pay off their mortgage, we also hear from many who are doing it tough—relying solely on NZ Super to get by, often while still paying rent or managing debt. For these Members, there’s no more room to cut costs. They’ve already tightened their belts.
That’s why we’ve put together this practical guide—because finding help can be hard when you don’t know where to look, and navigating government systems or support agencies can feel overwhelming.
This resource is here to hopefully make it easier by including in one place the support and services that can make a difference. We’ve also included direct links(in Blue)so you can quickly find the help you need—whether that’s extra income support, lower-cost housing, health subsidies, or just someone to talk to.
You're not alone—and there is help out there.
We have tried to be as comprehensive as we could but if we have missed any support organisations or services please let us know in the comments.
1. Government Income & Bills Support
Work and Income:
When you turn 65, NZ Super and Veteran's Pension are the main payments you may qualify for. However, there are also other payments you may be able to get. This includes common payments like Accommodation Supplement or Disability Allowance. It also includes payments for residential care (rest home or hospital). For example:
- Accommodation Supplement – if you need help with your rent, board, or cost of owning your own home
- Temporary Additional Support – a weekly payment that helps you when you don't have enough money to cover your essential living costs.
- Community Services Card– if you qualify, you can use this card to pay less on health care and public transport.
- Disability Allowance – is a weekly payment for people who have regular, ongoing costs because of a disability.
For a full list please take a look at the Work and Income page for Other payments for seniors
Plus you can access an online guide to check what you might get. If you are unsure of using this tool get one of your family members to help. Its worthwhile having a look.
New Zealand Government:
The New Zealand government website has more information about getting financial help and benefits when you're 65 so click on that link to read more.
On that page it has information about what kind of help you may get for:
- Food
- Power, gas and water
- Housing and household costs
- Transport and vehicle costs
- Healthcare and medical costs
- Other urgent or unexpected costs
- Getting help with budgeting and finances
- Other help and payments you may be able to get
- Who to contact for more help
SuperGold Card:
If you're 65+ you qualify for a SuperGold Card, which is a free discount and concession card that is automatically sent to those receiving New Zealand Superannuation or a Veteran's Pension at age 65 or over. It provides cardholders with discounts at various businesses and free off-peak public transport.
Are you using yours? If you don't know where and when you can Explore all special offers
In addition to that the SuperGold site has a page with more information on support and services for seniors in New Zealand. Explore support and services
2. Other Housing & Rental Solutions
In addition to the Accommodation Supplement mentioned above there are other Housing Cost benefits that you may be eligible for especially if you are renting. See this page from Work and Income.
Rates rebates:
Retirees may be eligible for a rates rebate which in this current climate of rates increases could be very important. The eligibility criteria is:
- Low income: The scheme is designed for low-income earners. The specific income thresholds vary and are adjusted annually.
- Home Ownership: The property must be your usual place of residence and you must be living in it on July 1st of the rating year.
- Rates Payment: You must be the one paying the rates on the property.
- Retirement Village Residents: Some retirement village residents may also be eligible, including those with a "licence to occupy" agreement.
This page from the Department of Internal Affairs offers a good step by step guide on applying for a rates rebate and where to find the application forms
Subsidised rental options/Seniors Housing
There are a limited number of affordable rental properties for older people (generally aged 55-plus) and other low-income people throughout New Zealand. These are often referred to as pensioners flats or affordable senior’s public housing. You can Contact Kāinga Ora (previously Housing New Zealand), your local council or trusted religious/welfare organisation. In Auckland, for example, Haumaru Housing, an initiative between the Auckland City Council and Selwyn Foundation, manages several homes. As subsidised housing is generally clustered, tenants are often of a similar age and close enough to keep an eye on each other. Housing stock can be low, however, and there are strict criteria around assets, income and needs.
Insulation & heater grants
Through the EECA you may be eligible for a Warmer Kiwi Homes grant. If you own and live in a home built before 2008 and you (the owner) have either a Community Services Card, SuperGold Combo Card (is a combination of both your Community Services Card and your SuperGold card with CSC on the back) or live in an area identified as low-income then you can apply for the grants
The grants cover 80-90% of the total cost of ceiling and underfloor insulation installed in your home. In some areas the cost to you may be even lower, thanks to generous funding from community organisations. Or up to 80% of the cost of an approved heater installed in your home. This could be a heat pump or an efficient wood/pellet burner for the main living area. Heater grants are capped at $3000 including GST.
3. Community & Not-for‑Profit Help
Several community and not-for-profit support groups in New Zealand are dedicated to helping the elderly.
Age Concern
Age Concern is one of the most prominent organisations in New Zealand focused on promoting the well-being and dignity of older people with local Age Concern councils across the country. They provide expert information, support services, social activities, and advocacy, financial hardship guidance, help with scams and elder abuse advice . They also offer social connection services and advocacy.
Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB)
With over 80 branches nationwide and help available by phone, email or face‑to‑face, CAB can support you with budgeting, tenancy rights, government entitlements and legal queries
MoneyTalks:
This free helpline provides advice and support from trained financial mentors. They can also connect you with local services and support groups. Call 0800 345 123 for help. One of these local support groups is an initiative called MoneyMates - these peer support groups allow pensioners to discuss financial matters openly with others in similar situations. You can find out where to locate MoneyMates support groups through MoneyTalks.
Grey Power
Grey Power is an advocacy organisation, national lobby and network for seniors, they offer offers cost‑saving initiatives on power rates, insurance, transport and more via their membership.
Seniorline
Seniorline is a national information service to help older people and their whānau navigate the health system. Seniorline provides information to assist older people to make decisions about staying at home, support for carers and residential care.
Eldernet
The Eldernet Group is one of New Zealand’s most trusted providers of information for older people and their support networks.
4. Use the Equity in your home
If you do own your house and it's got equity, there is the consideration of using that equity to supplement your income. We are not talking about reverse mortgages here but a debt free equity release plan.
If you are 70 or older and looking for a way to supplement your retirement income without the burden of debt? With Lifetime Home, you can unlock the value of your mortgage-free home without taking on a mortgage, debt, or interest
We know that some may feel a bit uncomfortable with this option. We understand the concern—it's a big decision.
That’s why Lifetime Income’s Seminars explore this carefully, helping you evaluate if it’s right for you, while always acknowledging it’s not the ideal path for everyone.
5. Use your HealthCarePlus Member discounts
Your HealthCarePlus Membership is about much more than just your Health Plan from UniMed. Just like the Goldcard there are more discounts and services that you can get through your HealthCarePlus Membership.
Take a look at the other Member Benefits that we currently offer. Also this is a continually growing list so keep your eye out for a whole lot more coming soon
Our goal is the well‑being of all our Members - physically, emotionally and financially. So if you are finding day‑to‑day life a struggle, then I hope this guide might be helpful. Please let us know in the comments especially if there are other groups, resources, grants and funds that may be of use to other Members
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