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New Zealand law explained for everyone

Social Security Act 2018

Assistance - Winter energy payment

71: Winter energy payment: interpretation

You could also call this:

“Explaining important words for winter energy help”

This section explains some important terms used in the law about winter energy payments. These payments are a type of help the government gives to some people.

A ‘qualifying benefit’ is a type of payment you might get from the government. It can be a main benefit, New Zealand superannuation, or a veteran’s pension.

The ‘relevant payment date’ is when you get your qualifying benefit. It’s the day you receive your weekly or fortnightly payment during the winter period.

The ‘winter period’ is a set time each year when these special energy payments are made. It lasts for 22 weeks and starts on 1 May.

These terms are used in other parts of the law, including section 220 and Part 8 of Schedule 4. They help explain how the winter energy payment works and who can get it.

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View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=LMS4443.

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70: Winter energy payment: purpose, or

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72: Winter energy payment: requirements, or

“Rules for getting extra money to help with heating costs in winter”

Part 2 Assistance
Winter energy payment

71Winter energy payment: interpretation

  1. In this subpart, section 220, and Part 8 of Schedule 4, unless the context otherwise requires,—

    qualifying benefit means—

    1. a main benefit under this Act; or
      1. New Zealand superannuation; or
        1. veteran’s pension

          relevant payment date, for a person who is receiving a qualifying benefit (or a portion of it), either as the person granted that benefit or as the spouse or partner of that person, for 1 or more days during the winter period, means the date on which the person is paid a weekly or fortnightly instalment of the person’s qualifying benefit (or a portion of it) for those days

            winter period, for a calendar year, means the 22-week period starting on 1 May.

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