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New Zealand\u2019s Winter Energy Payment is being added automatically to qualifying benefits and pensions from 1 May to 1 October 2026. The rate is $20.46 a week<\/strong> for a single person with no dependent children and $31.82 a week<\/strong> for couples and people with dependent children.<\/p>\n You must be receiving one of the payments listed by Work and Income: NZ Super, Veteran\u2019s Pension, Jobseeker Support, Jobseeker Support Student Hardship, Sole Parent Support, Supported Living Payment, Young Parent Payment, Youth Payment, Emergency Benefit or Emergency Maintenance Allowance.<\/p>\n No separate application is required. If you qualify, the amount is included with your usual weekly or fortnightly payment. It cannot be converted into a single lump sum.<\/p>\n Because the scheme starts on 1 May and Work and Income pays for the week just completed, the first payment can be a part-payment. The full weekly amount follows in the next regular payment cycle. The last entitlement date is 1 October.<\/p>\n The Winter Energy Payment is non-taxable. It does not reduce other Work and Income assistance or Income Related Rent. The payment is designed as an extra contribution to winter heating costs, but recipients do not have to submit energy bills.<\/p>\n First check the payment breakdown in MyMSD and confirm that your main benefit or pension is still active. Work and Income reported a 2026 processing issue affecting some people and said affected payments and arrears were corrected automatically. Contact Work and Income if the amount remains missing after your normal payment date.<\/p>\n Yes. Work and Income provides an opt-out process, but consider the effect carefully before requesting it.<\/p>\n No. The couple rate is $31.82 in total, normally paid to one person according to the benefit arrangement.<\/p>\n No. It stops after the annual winter payment period and restarts the following 1 May if you remain eligible.<\/p>\n Work and Income \u2014 Winter Energy Payment<\/a><\/p>\nWho receives the payment?<\/h2>\n
Do you need to apply?<\/h2>\n
Who is excluded?<\/h2>\n
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Payment timing in 2026<\/h2>\n
Tax and other assistance<\/h2>\n
If your payment is missing<\/h2>\n
Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n
Can I opt out?<\/h3>\n
Does each partner receive $31.82?<\/h3>\n
Will the payment continue after 1 October?<\/h3>\n
Official information<\/h2>\n
Japanese version<\/h2>\n