Qualifications

To get a Winter Energy Payment the client must:

• be getting a qualifying benefit (or portion of it) during the winter period
• be either the person granted a qualifying benefit or their partner, and the qualifying benefit (or portion of it) is paid to the client
• not be disqualified from getting Winter Energy Payment
• not have chosen to opt out of getting the Winter Energy Payment
• be living in New Zealand (not be outside of New Zealand during the period that the Winter Energy Payment can be paid for more than 28 days during any one or more absences)

Clients do not have to apply for Winter Energy Payments, it is automatically paid to clients who are getting a main benefit, New Zealand Superannuation or Veteran's Pension and meet all other eligibility criteria.

Winter Energy Payments are paid automatically in all following winter periods unless the client has chosen not to get it.