From the Ofice of Seniors
The Winter Energy Payment will be paid from 1 May to 1 October.
This payment helps people keep their homes and families warmer and healthier over winter.
People don’t need to apply for the Winter Energy Payment. If they’re eligible, they’ll get it automatically with their other payments.
Winter Energy Payment rates
Couples and people with dependent children will get $31.82 a week and single people will get $20.46 a week. If someone is getting Foster Care Allowance, we encourage them to contact us. We may be able to pay them at a higher rate.
As 1 May is part-way through the pay period, people won’t get the full amount in their first May payment – their second payment will be for the full amount.
If people want to opt out – or they’ve opted out and now want to start getting it – they can complete the ‘Stop or restart Winter Energy Payment’ online form, or call us.
NZ Super or Veteran’s Pension
For couples getting NZ Super or Veteran’s Pension the Winter Energy Payment is paid to one person, because the payment system can’t split it across two accounts. People can switch the payment to the other person’s account by calling our Seniors line on 0800 552 002.
Seniors heading overseas over the winter months can keep getting Winter Energy Payment for up to 28 days while they’re away. People should tell us if they plan to be away for more than four weeks, otherwise we might pay them too much and have to ask for the money back.
There’s more information about the Winter Energy Payment on the Work and Income website