For many New Zealanders, NZ Superannuation feels like the only government payment available in retirement. In reality, NZ Super is just the starting point. There are multiple additional government payments and supports that retirees can legally claim — and when combined, they can be worth several thousand dollars a year.
The issue is not eligibility. It’s awareness. Thousands of retirees miss out simply because they don’t know these payments exist, assume they won’t qualify, or believe NZ Super already includes everything.
Below is a detailed, plain-English breakdown of every major extra payment retirees can claim besides NZ Super, how they work, and who they are for.
Why NZ Super Alone Often Falls Short
NZ Super is designed to provide basic income security, not to fully cover modern retirement costs. Today’s retirees face:
- Rising power and heating bills
- Increasing council rates
- Higher healthcare and prescription costs
- Rent or housing expenses
- Insurance, food, and transport inflation
According to Work and Income New Zealand, many NZ Super recipients also qualify for additional assistance based on income, housing, and health needs.
“NZ Superannuation is a foundation payment. Other assistance may be available depending on individual circumstances,” officials regularly advise.
1. Winter Energy Payment (Automatic but Often Understood Poorly)
The Winter Energy Payment (WEP) helps retirees pay higher heating and electricity costs during winter.
Key Details
- Paid automatically with NZ Super
- Runs from May to September
- Single person: about $20 per week
- Couple: about $31 per week combined
- Non-taxable
- Does not reduce any other support
Over a winter, this adds up to $700+ for singles.
Many retirees receive it without realising what it is or how much it adds to their income.
2. Accommodation Supplement (Not Just for Working People)
The Accommodation Supplement helps retirees who still face housing costs.
It can help pay for:
- Rent
- Board
- Mortgage interest (not repayments)
Important Points
- Available to retirees as well as workers
- Based on income, housing costs, and location
- Paid weekly
- Amount varies widely by region
Many retirees wrongly assume this payment stops at retirement — it does not.
3. Rates Rebate Scheme (One of the Most Missed Supports)
The Rates Rebate Scheme helps low- to moderate-income homeowners reduce council rates.
What It Offers
- Maximum rebate of around $790 per year
- Applied directly to your rates bill
- Available to many NZ Super recipients
- Must be applied for every year
Key Misunderstanding
Owning your home does not disqualify you — in fact, retirees are one of the main groups this scheme is designed to help.
4. Disability Allowance (Health Costs Add Up Fast)
The Disability Allowance helps cover ongoing extra costs caused by a health condition or disability.
It can help pay for:
- GP visits and prescriptions
- Medical alarms
- Extra heating for health reasons
- Transport to medical appointments
- Special diets
- Glasses or hearing aids (in some cases)
Key Facts
- Paid weekly
- Means-tested (income-based)
- Available regardless of age
- Many retirees qualify due to age-related health needs
This payment alone can be worth hundreds of dollars a month.
5. Community Services Card (Healthcare Savings)
Many retirees qualify for a Community Services Card without realising it.
The card can reduce costs for:
- GP visits
- Prescriptions
- Some specialist services
Income thresholds are higher than most people expect, so receiving NZ Super does not automatically disqualify you.
6. Temporary Additional Support (Short-Term Safety Net)
If a retiree experiences a temporary financial shock, Temporary Additional Support may be available.
Examples include:
- Unexpected medical expenses
- Sudden rent increases
- Emergency housing issues
- Short-term income gaps
This support is:
- Paid for a limited period
- Assessed case-by-case
- Designed to stabilise finances, not long-term income
7. Special Needs Grants (One-Off Help)
Special Needs Grants are one-off payments for essential living costs.
They may help cover:
- Food
- Power bills
- Emergency household needs
These grants:
- Are not always required to be repaid
- Depend on need and circumstances
- Are often used during financial emergencies
Many retirees never ask about them — but they exist.
Comparison: Extra Payments Retirees Can Claim
| Payment | Potential Value |
|---|---|
| Winter Energy Payment | $700+ per winter |
| Accommodation Supplement | Varies by region |
| Rates Rebate Scheme | Up to ~$790 per year |
| Disability Allowance | Up to hundreds per month |
| Community Services Card | Ongoing health savings |
| Temporary / one-off grants | Case dependent |
Combined, these supports can significantly improve retirement affordability.
Why So Many Retirees Miss Out
Common reasons include:
- Believing NZ Super includes all assistance
- Assuming home ownership disqualifies them
- Not counting health-related costs as eligible
- Thinking support is only for “hardship cases”
- Not knowing they need to apply
In reality, eligibility is based on circumstances, not labels.
What Retirees Should Do Now
- Review housing, health, and energy costs
- Don’t assume NZ Super means no other help
- Re-check eligibility when circumstances change
- Ask specifically about additional entitlements
- Reapply yearly where required (rates, supplements)
Even small weekly payments can add up to thousands over time.
Questions and Answers
Q1: Are these payments automatic?
Some are, but many require an application.
Q2: Can I receive more than one payment?
Yes. Multiple supports can be claimed together.
Q3: Does owning a home stop eligibility?
No.
Q4: Are these payments taxable?
Most are not.
Q5: Do KiwiSaver withdrawals affect eligibility?
Yes, as income.
Q6: Can working retirees qualify?
Yes, depending on income.
Q7: Are savings counted?
Most payments focus on income, not assets.
Q8: Do I need to reapply each year?
Some supports require annual renewal.
Q9: Are couples assessed together?
Often yes, depending on the payment.
Q10: Is it worth checking even if I think I won’t qualify?
Absolutely — many retirees are surprised.
Bottom Line
NZ Super is only the foundation of retirement income in New Zealand. Many retirees are legally entitled to extra government payments that help with heating, housing, rates, healthcare, and emergencies — yet thousands never claim them. Taking the time to check and apply can significantly improve comfort, security, and peace of mind throughout retirement.
