Power, gas, water bills or heating
We may be able to help you with an urgent power, gas or water bill, heating costs or water tank refill if you have no other way to pay.
- You don't have to be on a benefit to qualify for this help.
- You may have to pay the money back depending on your situation.
Who can get it
You could find yourself in a situation where you have an outstanding power, gas or water bill that you can't pay. You need to talk to the power or water company first to see if you can make a payment arrangement with them.
If this is not possible, we may be able to help if you:
- are 16 or over (if you're 16-19 and have a Youth Service provider, contact Youth Services)
- are a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident
- normally live in New Zealand and intend to stay here
- have an immediate and essential need.
It also depends on:
- how much you and your partner earn
- any money or assets you and your partner have.
Your income will be assessed either weekly or yearly, depending on the kind of help you qualify for. These income and asset limits apply:
Current income limits
| If you are: | Weekly income before tax is less than |
|---|---|
| Single and 16 to 17 years old | $879.17 |
| Single and 18 years old or over | $1,010.41 |
| Couple (with or without children) | $1,467.61 |
| Sole parent with 1 child | $1,226.09 |
| Sole parent with 2 or more children | $1,291.75 |
Asset limits
These don't include the things you need for day-to-day living, e.g. your home, car, and some payments after a severe weather event. They do include things like money in the bank, or a second property.
| If you are: | Your assets are worth less than |
|---|---|
| Single | $1,411.22 |
| Couple (with or without children) or sole parent | $2,351.46 |
What you can get
Generally, we can pay up to $200 to help with:
- an outstanding power, gas or water bill
- reconnecting your electricity, gas or water supply.
Water tank refill
We may be able to help you pay to get your personal water tank refilled and delivered.
You need to be living in either:
- a property you own
- a property you're renting and you're responsible for refilling the water tank.
You can get up to $500 to pay for refill and delivery. You can generally get one payment for water tank refill every 12 months.
Help to keep your family warm
We may be able to help you with the cost of bedding, blankets, curtains or heaters, depending on your circumstances. It may be that:
- your children are unwell
- you can't keep warm in your home
- there is wear and tear to your bedding because of long-term sickness or disability in the family
- a new child has come into the family.
Call us to discuss your situation.
How to apply
You need to call us on 0800 559 009
We'll talk with you to understand your situation and how we can help. We'll let you know what information you need to provide and how to get this to us.
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This video content covers the same details as the factsheets on power, gas, water bills or heating.
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This audio content covers the same details as the factsheets on power, gas, water bills or heating.