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With the prospect of colder weather approaching, many of us start to worry about how we will manage the heating bills.
Fortunately this year the Government haS announced a Winter Energy Payment which will be available to superannuitants and some beneficiaries.
It will be paid automatically with your super or benefit payment from July 1 to September 30, 2018.
If you qualify you do not need to apply for it.
So who qualifies for this payment?
Anyone receiving NZ Superannuation or Veteran’s Pension; Emergency Maintenance Allowance; Jobseeker Support; Jobseeker Support Student hardship; Sole Parent Support; Youth Payment; Young Parent Payment; or an Emergency Benefit, is eligible.
This payment will not be paid to those receiving Residential Care Subsidy or Residential Support Subsidy.
If you qualify, the amount you will receive will be $20.46 if you are single with no dependent children, or $31.82 for a couple, or those with dependent children.
This is not an advance, you will not need to pay it back, and it won’t affect any other payments you may be receiving from Work and Income.
The payment will only be paid while you are residing in New Zealand.
If you are travelling overseas during the payment period and still receiving your benefit or NZ Super you will only receive the Winter Energy payment for the first four weeks of your absence.
If you return before September 30, 2018, you will need to contact Work and Income about restarting the payment.
So, if you are eligible for the Winter Energy payment, watch for it appearing in your benefit payment. Hopefully it will help you to keep warm and healthy this winter.
If you have a computer, you can get more information at workandincome.govt.nz
Or, you can ask Citizens Advice Bureau Wairarapa to print the information out and send it to you.
Free, confidential information
Phones: 06 377 0078 or 0800 367 222
Address: 43 Perry Street, Masterton
Hours: Monday to Friday 9am-4pm
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.cab.org.nz
