Your Guide to the Winter Energy Payment 2025-2026
The Winter Energy Payment is a weekly, non-taxable top-up that Ministry of Social Development through Work and Income, automatically adds to eligible people’s regular payments from 1 May to 1 October each year. It is intended to help with the extra cost of heating during winter and is only available to those receiving certain main benefits, NZ Super, or the Veteran’s Pension. The payment doesn’t reduce any other support you receive and isn’t available as a lump sum.
Winter Energy Payment Periods for 2025 and 2026
For 2025, the payment period for the Winter Energy Payment ran from 1 May 2025 through to 1 October 2025.
For 2026, the scheduled payment period is from 1 May 2026 through to 1 October 2026.
Rates and how payment works
The Winter Energy Payment is a scheme in the form of an additional payment designed to help with the cost of heating a home during the colder months.It is not tied to a specific energy bill or supplier; rather, it is paid as an income-top-up.
| Single person, no dependent children: NZ $ 20.46 per week. Couples, or people with dependent children: NZ $ 31.82 per week. |
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Eligibility
You can receive the Winter Energy Payment only if you’re being paid one of the following by Work and Income:
| You will qualify if: | You won’t qualify if any of these apply: |
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You can still recieve the Winter Energy Payment for up to 28 days of any one or more absences from New Zealand during the winter period, subject to certain conditions. That 28-day rule and the conditions are set out in the Social Security Act (statutory provision).
For couples receiving NZ Super or Veteran’s Pension, the $31.82 weekly amount is paid to one person only (the payments system does not split it into two accounts). MSD normally pays it into the account of the person in the couple with the lowest client number; the recipient can request to switch it to the other person’s account.
How to get it
No application needed: if you already receive a qualifying benefit or pension and meet the eligibility rules during the winter period, you will be paid automatically. If you think you are eligible but are not receiving it, contact Work and Income / MSD - Winter Energy Payment.
If you haven’t received the payment yet but believe you may qualify, you can use an online eligibility calculator for a general indication of whether you meet the criteria. If the calculator suggests you might be eligible, or if you prefer to skip it, you can apply directly through MyMSD. In MyMSD you can check your current payments, update your personal details or circumstances, and submit an application for a benefit or NZ Super.
Other Programmes and Financial Options to Improve Home Energy Efficiency
In New Zealand, there are several programmes and financial options designed to help households reduce energy costs. The Warmer Kiwi Homes programme provides grants for ceiling and underfloor insulation as well as approved heaters, helping homes stay warmer while using less energy.
Additionally, many banks offer green loans or sustainable home loan top-ups, which can finance energy-efficient upgrades such as heat pumps, solar panels, and insulation. Together, these options allow homeowners to improve efficiency, reduce bills, and access support or financing to cover upfront costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I receive the Winter Energy Payment for previous winters if I think I missed out?
If you believe you were eligible in a past winter but didn’t receive it, you can ask Work and Income to review your payments. They can correct past payments where appropriate, and you may request a further review if you disagree with their decision.
Can I choose not to receive the Winter Energy Payment?
Yes. If you do not want to receive the payment, you can ask Work and Income to stop it. You can later request to have it restarted during the winter period if you change your mind.
How can I change the bank account my Winter Energy Payment goes into?
You can update your bank account details through MyMSD or by contacting Work and Income directly. You may be asked to provide proof of the new account, such as a bank statement or deposit slip.
Will the Winter Energy Payment show separately on my bank statement?
The payment is included with your usual benefit or pension deposit. If you are unsure whether it has been added, you can check your payment breakdown in MyMSD or ask Work and Income for clarification.
Does it matter if my landlord pays the power bill instead of me?
No. The Winter Energy Payment is not linked to who pays the bill. It is simply a top-up to help with winter energy costs and does not depend on the name on the power account.
Does the Winter Energy Payment affect tax, Working for Families, or child support?
The payment is non-taxable and does not reduce your other Work and Income payments or Income-Related Rent. For how it may interact with Inland Revenue assessments, you should check with IRD or Work and Income.
What happens if I travel overseas during the winter period?
You can usually keep receiving the payment for short overseas trips, up to a limited number of days, provided you still meet the eligibility conditions. If you plan to be away longer, you should notify Work and Income as it may affect your payments.
Can the Winter Energy Payment be back-dated if I became eligible partway through winter?
If you qualified partway through the winter and it was not added to your payments, Work and Income can review your record. If a correction is needed, they can adjust it accordingly.
How do I challenge a missing or incorrect Winter Energy Payment?
You can request a check of your payments through MyMSD or by contacting Work and Income directly. If you still disagree with the outcome, you can use MSD’s review and appeals process.
Can I stop or restart the Winter Energy Payment during winter?
Yes. You can request to stop or restart the payment during the winter period. Work and Income provides forms and options in MyMSD for making these changes.
How can I recognise scams related to the Winter Energy Payment?
MSD will never ask you for banking passwords or personal login details by text or email. If you receive a message about payments that seems suspicious, verify it through MyMSD or by contacting Work and Income directly.