How do I find out whether I can get any benefits or subsidies?
I can't pay my power bill, and I've used all my WINZ allowances, where can I go?
What do I do if I think WINZ has missed a benefit payment?
I want my nephew to contact Work and Income on my behalf – how do we go about it?
How do I find out whether I can get any benefits or subsidies?
You can use this Work and Income New Zealand (WINZ) online tool to see what types of benefits and subsidies you may be eligible for, or contact them on 0800 559 009. Alternatively, you can contact the Citizens Advice Bureau for help in determining what kinds of financial assistance you may be entitled to.
You can then contact WINZ on 0800 559 009 or your nearest WINZ office to make an appointment with a case manager.
You may also be eligible for tax credits, depending on your situation. Tax credits are administered by the Inland Revenue Department – you can read our information on tax credits.
If you need help applying for a benefit, subsidy or tax credit, visit your local Citizens Advice Bureau.
I can't pay my power bill, and I've used all my WINZ allowances, where can I go?
If you’re having problems paying your power bill, you should contact your power company as soon as possible. Most power companies have ways to help if you are in this situation.
If your difficulties are due to genuine financial hardship then explain this to your power company and tell them that you are a Vulnerable Consumer.
All power companies should have a process for dealing with vulnerable consumers to avoid unnecessary disconnection.
Your power company can tell you whether you can save money by changing to a different pricing plan, and they may have a payment plan that better suits your ability to pay. They can also advise you of budgeting or other advice that may help you.
If it gets to the point where you are likely to be disconnected, your power company should refer you to Work and Income (WINZ) first.
You might be able to get some extra support in the form of Temporary Additional Support or a Special Needs Grant, for example. Whether you qualify and the ammount you receive, will depend on your individual situation. You can contact WINZ on 0800 559 009 to find out what you are personally entitled to.
We have more information about vulnerable and medically dependent consumers elsewhere on this website.
What do I do if I think WINZ has missed a benefit payment?
If you think WINZ has missed a benefit payment you will need to contact them on 0800 559 009 to discuss this. You will probably need to show proof that the payment has not come through - like a bank statement. If you have not been keeping in contact with WINZ as required, they may have cut off your benefit. For example, for some benefits and allowances you need to reapply each year. If this is what has happened, you will also need to talk to WINZ.
I want my nephew to contact Work and Income on my behalf – how do we go about it?
A person might want to have a representative (or agent) who deals with Work and Income (WINZ) on their behalf because:
- of language difficulties or other problems with communication
- they are overseas
- they can’t get to the WINZ office easily
- of illness
- They live in residential care or an institution
- they’ve been served with a trespass notice and are not allowed to enter a WINZ office
- they disagree with a WINZ decision and want help or advice.
You can choose anyone to be your representative as long as they are not your partner, they are aged 18 years or over, and they don’t have a trespass order served against them which prevents them from entering a WINZ office. It’s best to choose someone you trust, for example a close family member, your lawyer or an advocate.
Because the person who will represent you will have access to confidential information held about you, you will need to provide a written agreement which includes:
- your name and the name of your representative
- exactly what you allow your representative to do on your behalf
- both of your signatures
Alternatively, you can download and sign an Appointment of agent form from the WINZ website.
You will also need to provide some proof of your representative’s identity e.g. passport.
Your representative should only do what you tell them to do and you don’t lose the right to talk to Work and Income or act on your own behalf if you appoint a representative.