The Winter Energy Payment is extra money from Work and Income to help heat your home over winter. It's paid automatically to people on a main benefit or a pension. You don't need to apply. The 2026 payment ran from 1 May to 1 October 2026, and it has now finished.
Winter Energy Payment rates
| Your situation | Weekly rate |
|---|---|
| Single, no dependent children | $20.46 |
| Couple, or anyone with dependent children | $31.82 |
The payment isn't taxed. It doesn't affect your other Work and Income payments or your income-related rent. It can't be paid as a lump sum. It comes with your regular weekly or fortnightly payment.
Couples on NZ Super or Veteran's Pension get $31.82 between them, whether they live together or apart. It goes into one bank account, usually the partner with the lower client number. Call Work and Income if you want it paid to the other partner.
2026 payment dates
The Winter Energy Payment is paid from 1 May to 1 October every year. Work and Income set out how the 2026 payments ended.
If you're paid weekly
- Last full payment: week starting 28 September 2026.
- Part payment, 4 days' worth: week starting 5 October 2026.
- First payment without it: week starting 12 October 2026.
If you get NZ Super or Veteran's Pension
- Part payment, 9 days' worth: week starting 5 October 2026.
- First payment without it: week starting 19 October 2026.
If you redirect part of your benefit to pay for power, check the amount now that the payment has stopped.
Who gets it
You get the Winter Energy Payment automatically if you're on one of these:
- 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
You can't get it if you get a Residential Care Subsidy or Residential Support Subsidy, live overseas, or get an overseas pension that means you get no NZ Super or Veteran's Pension.
Working families who aren't on a benefit don't get it. They may be able to get Working for Families or the Accommodation Supplement instead.
Travelling over winter
If you leave New Zealand during the payment period, Work and Income keeps paying it for up to 28 days. Tell them if you'll be away longer, or you may be overpaid. If you come back before 1 October, contact them to restart it. If you come back after 1 October, it starts again automatically the next winter, as long as you still qualify.
Common questions
How much is the Winter Energy Payment in 2026?
$20.46 a week for a single person with no dependent children. $31.82 a week for couples and anyone with dependent children.
When does the Winter Energy Payment start and finish?
It's paid from 1 May to 1 October each year. The 2026 payment ended on 1 October 2026.
Do I have to apply for the Winter Energy Payment?
No. If you're on a qualifying benefit or pension, it's paid automatically.
Is the Winter Energy Payment taxed?
No.
Do students get the Winter Energy Payment?
Only students on Jobseeker Support Student Hardship. A Student Allowance doesn't qualify. See Student Allowance rates.
For the benefits themselves, see NZ Super rates and Jobseeker Support rates.
Sources: Work and Income, Winter Energy Payment (updated 18 September 2026). Checked October 2026.