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There’s lots of change happening at the moment. To make it easier for you to stay up-to-date, we’ve put the latest info on your Winter Energy Payment, benefit rates and COVID-19 updates below.
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Winter Energy Payment
The Winter Energy payment starts soon. This is an extra payment to help with the cost of heating your home over winter.
If you're single, you'll get an extra $20.46 a week. Couples and people with dependent children will get an extra $31.82 a week, and it's paid to one person in the couple. Payments will start from 1 May and continue until 1 October 2021, and are paid with your regular fortnightly payment.
If you're getting a single rate and caring for any children under the age of 18, please get in touch. We may be able to pay you at a higher rate.
Because the Winter Energy Payment starts part way through the pay period, your first payment on 11 May will be less than the full amount. You’ll be paid the full amount in the following payment.
The Winter Energy Payment won’t affect other payments you get from us and isn’t considered income (for tax purposes).
If you'd prefer not to get this payment, just let us know and we'll stop it for you.
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COVID-19 updates
COVID-19 vaccines are being rolled out in phases, and will soon be available for people aged 65 or over. Here's what you need to know:
- The vaccine is free for everyone and no one will miss out.
- You'll need at least 2 weeks between getting your yearly flu shots and the COVID-19 vaccine. You can't get them at the same time.
To keep up to date with all the latest COVID information, including the vaccine rollout go to covid.govt.nz
Remember, if alert levels change, we can do a lot to help you over the phone or on MyMSD.
You can use MyMSD to update your personal details, check your payments, read your letters and apply for help with things like one-off costs for food.
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Changes to benefit rates from 1 April
On 1 April 2021 benefit and payment rates increased due to the Annual General Adjustment.
You would have got your first full payment at the new rate in the week starting on 12 April.
You can view the new rates on our website
If you have any questions about your new rate, please contact us.
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