Oceania
Age Pension - Services Australia
Australia's Age Pension is a means-tested, tax-funded fortnightly payment administered by Services Australia (Centrelink) for residents aged 67 and over who meet residency requirements. As one of the oldest government pension schemes in the world—dating back to 1908—it provides a financial safety net for over 2.6 million Australians, with maximum rates of approximately AUD $1,116.30 per fortnight for singles and AUD $1,682.80 combined for couples, plus supplements for energy and pharmaceutical costs.
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
Australia's National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a landmark national programme that provides individualised funding packages to people with permanent and significant disabilities, enabling them to access reasonable and necessary supports for daily living, community participation, employment, and independence. Established by the National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013 and administered by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), the NDIS supports over 660,000 participants with an annual budget exceeding A$35 billion, making it one of the largest social reforms in Australia's history.
New Zealand KiwiSaver Retirement Savings Scheme
KiwiSaver is New Zealand's voluntary, work-based retirement savings scheme established under the KiwiSaver Act 2006 and operational since 2 July 2007. Administered by Inland Revenue (IRD), the scheme channels employee, employer, and government contributions into individually managed investment funds, helping New Zealanders build long-term savings for retirement and first home purchases.
New Zealand Working for Families Tax Credits
Working for Families (WfF) is New Zealand's primary family income support package, providing a suite of tax credits — including the Family Tax Credit, In-Work Tax Credit, Minimum Family Tax Credit, and Best Start — to help families with dependent children meet the costs of raising children. Jointly administered by Inland Revenue and the Ministry of Social Development, WfF supports approximately 300,000 families across New Zealand.