The Winter Energy Payment helps eligible New Zealanders with heating costs during the colder months. In 2026 it is paid automatically from 1 May to 1 October to people receiving a qualifying benefit or pension. The weekly rate is $20.46 for a single person with no dependent children, or $31.82 for couples and people with dependent children.
You do not make a separate Winter Energy Payment application if you qualify. It is added to your normal Work and Income payment, usually weekly or fortnightly.
Who gets the Winter Energy Payment?
You may get the payment if you receive one of the qualifying payments listed by Work and Income:
- NZ Super
- Veteran’s Pension
- Jobseeker Support
- Jobseeker Support Student Hardship
- Sole Parent Support
- Supported Living Payment
- Young Parent Payment
- Youth Payment
- Emergency Benefit
- Emergency Maintenance Allowance
2026 Winter Energy Payment rates
| Household situation | Weekly rate |
|---|---|
| Single, no dependent children | $20.46 a week |
| Couples, and people with dependent children | $31.82 a week |
The payment is non-taxable, does not reduce your other Work and Income payments or Income Related Rent, and cannot be converted into a lump sum.
Do you need to apply?
No. If you meet the rules, Work and Income pays the Winter Energy Payment automatically with your normal benefit, NZ Super or Veteran’s Pension.
If you previously opted out, however, it will not automatically restart in later years. You need to ask Work and Income to restart it using the official form or by contacting them.
Payment dates in 2026
The payment period is 1 May to 1 October each year. Because 1 May 2026 fell on a Friday, some recipients received a part-payment first, followed by the full rate on their next normal payment cycle.
There is no separate “application deadline” for the Winter Energy Payment itself because qualifying recipients are paid automatically.
Important rules for couples
For a couple receiving NZ Super or Veteran’s Pension, the couple receives $31.82 in total, not $31.82 each. Work and Income pays it into one person’s account. You can contact Work and Income if you want the payment switched to the other person’s account.
When you will not get it
You cannot get the Winter Energy Payment if you are receiving a Residential Care Subsidy or Residential Support Subsidy, are living overseas, or receive an overseas pension that reduces your NZ Super or Veteran’s Pension to nil.
Travelling overseas during winter
Short overseas travel can be treated differently from living overseas. For people receiving NZ Super or Veteran’s Pension, Work and Income can continue the Winter Energy Payment for up to 28 days while overseas. If you plan to be away for longer, tell Work and Income so you do not build up an overpayment.
If you return to New Zealand before 1 October after a longer trip, you may need to contact Work and Income to have the payment restarted.
Before you contact Work and Income
If the payment is missing, first check whether your main benefit or pension is one of the qualifying payments and whether any care subsidy or overseas situation applies. The Winter Energy Payment is not available as a standalone payment for people who do not receive a qualifying main payment.
Frequently asked questions
Is the $31.82 rate per person?
No. For couples, $31.82 is the couple rate and is generally paid to one person in the couple.
Can I ask for the whole winter amount as one lump sum?
No. Work and Income says the Winter Energy Payment cannot be paid as a lump sum.
Do I have to reapply every winter?
Normally no. If you still qualify, the payment starts automatically each year. If you have opted out, you need to opt back in before it will restart.
What happens after 1 October?
The Winter Energy Payment stops for the season. If you still qualify the following year, it starts again from 1 May.
