Additional government assistance for pensioners
This page covers the common additional government assistance that is available for pensioners
On top of the support that is provided via NZ Superannuation, the NZ government also provides pensioners support on housing via the accommodation supplement, certain medical needs via disability allowance and a few others that we mention below. It is worthwhile knowing the benefit that you can get and whether you will qualify for them.
Additional assistance
1. Accommodation Supplement: This is government supported financial help based on your income and cash assets and your current cost on housing.
2. Disability Allowance: Disability allowance is a weekly payment for people who have regular, ongoing health or disability costs, such as visits to the doctor or hospital, medicines, extra clothing or travel.
3. Rates Rebates Scheme: To help those who are on low income pay rates on their properties.
4. Special Disability Allowance: This is a special payment to partners of those who have their spouse in residential care or the hospital.
5. Winter Energy Payment: This is an automatic payment that you will get if you are on NZ Super to help cover your house heating costs.
6. SuperGold Card: This is a discount card that is for Seniors and can be used across a number of businesses. Free public transport is one of its key benefits.
Accomodation Supplement
If your income and cash assets (assets that can easily be changed to cash) are below a certain amount, you may be able to get an Accommodation Supplement. This is to help with the costs of renting, boarding or owning your own home.
The rate we pay depends on where you live, your family situation (single/married/children) and the amount of your accommodation costs. To find out what you might be able to get click here
Disability Allowance
You may get a Disability Allowance if you:
- have a disability or personal health need that is likely to last at least 6 months
- have regular, ongoing costs because of this which are not fully covered by another agency
- The amount you get depends on how much you and your spouse or partner earn.
- As of September 2022 the max rate is a non taxed amount of $70 a week.
- Your doctor or specialist will need to complete the disability certificate before you apply for the disability allowance.
Rates Rebates Scheme
The Rates Rebate Scheme offers a rates discount to low income earners who pay rates on their own home. Ratepayers apply to their local council for the rebate. For more information about qualifying for this rebate visit here
Special Disability Allowance
This is a weekly payment for people who have partner who is in residential care, or has been in a hospital for over 13 weeks. It is paid to the spouse or partner who is not in care to help with the extra costs of having their spouse in care.
Max paid as of September 2022 is $43.69 per week, non taxable. Click here to get more info.
Winter Energy Payment
The Winter Energy Payment is an additional payment to help with the cost of heating your home over winter. It is automatic for everyone who is on NZ Superannuation in NZ, so no need to apply. The payments are made for 5 months, from May to October, so a longer winter payment period. You’ll get a different amount if you are single or a couple. As singles you get approx. $20 per week, as a couple approx. $31.
SuperGold Card
This card is automatically sent to you when you are accepted for Superannuation. Its main benefit is providing off-peak transportation for free across NZ. However, it is also like a discount card that many retailers sign up to and offer discounts via it. If you want to see all the various discounts you can get please click here.
It is worthwhile reviewing the various government assistance for pensioners. There are many things available.