$700 for nothing!

The Government is introducing a new winter energy payment to help older people and people on a benefit stay warm and healthy through winter.

You don’t need to apply to receive the payment. It will be paid automatically to everyone getting NZ Super, Veteran’s Pension, Jobseeker Support, Sole Parent Support, Supported Living Payment or a Youth Service Payment. People can choose to opt out of getting it.

In 2018, the Winter Energy Payment will begin from 1 July to 30 September and from 2019 for five months from 1 May to 30 September.

The rate for single people (with no dependent children) will be $20.46 a week, and couples or people with dependent children will get $31.82.

The Winter Energy Payment won’t affect other payments such as Disability Allowance, Accommodation Supplement, Temporary Additional Support or Childcare Assistance.

If people are overseas for longer than four weeks, their Winter Energy Payment will stop while they’re out of the country. People who are getting Residential Care Subsidy or Residential Support Subsidy won’t be eligible for the Winter Energy Payment.