New Zealand Winter Energy Payment: dates and rates

Winter Energy Payment adds seasonal heating support to specified benefits and pensions, with automatic payments during the winter period.

Single, no dependent children

$20.46 a weekWork and Income, Winter Energy Payment

Couples or dependent children

$31.82 a weekWork and Income, Winter Energy Payment

Annual payment dates

1 May to 1 OctoberWork and Income, Winter Energy Payment

Tax treatment

Non-taxableWork and Income, Winter Energy Payment

The 2026 winter period has ended

The Winter Energy Payment for 2026 ended on 1 October 2026. Winter Energy Payment is an extra payment to help with the cost of heating your home over the winter months. Work and Income, Winter Energy Payment (opens in a new tab).

Published rates and payment method

Single people with no dependent children receive $20.46 a week. Couples and people with dependent children receive $31.82 a week. Eligible recipients receive it automatically with their regular weekly or fortnightly payment; a separate application is not required. It is non-taxable, does not affect other Work and Income payments or Income Related Rent, and cannot be paid as a lump sum. Work and Income, Winter Energy Payment (opens in a new tab).

A qualifying benefit or pension is required

Qualifying payments include NZ Super, Veteran's Pension, Jobseeker Support, Jobseeker Support Student Hardship, Sole Parent Support and Supported Living Payment. The list also includes Young Parent Payment, Youth Payment, Emergency Benefit and Emergency Maintenance Allowance. Residential Care Subsidy and Residential Support Subsidy recipients are excluded. Living overseas is also an exclusion, as is an overseas pension that means no NZ Super or Veteran's Pension is received. Work and Income, Winter Energy Payment (opens in a new tab).

Couples and temporary overseas travel

For couples receiving NZ Super or Veteran's Pension, the $31.82 payment goes to one person even if the couple lives separately. Work and Income cannot split it between two bank accounts. For NZ Super, Veteran’s Pension and benefit recipients who can keep their payment overseas, temporary overseas travel can allow payment for up to 28 days. Travel lasting longer than that requires notification to avoid overpayment. Work and Income, Winter Energy Payment (opens in a new tab).

Scope and timing limits

This guide describes the published seasonal rates and eligibility categories. It does not establish entitlement for an individual, determine an overseas pension adjustment or calculate part-week payments. It does not forecast future changes, promise that next winter's rules will be identical or add seasonal support to a retirement-income estimate. No Winter Energy Payment calculator or calculated example is provided here.

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