Why did the Minister not adopt the proposed amendment to exclude the winter energy payment during the Committee of the Whole for the Social Security (Mandatory Reviews) Amendment Bill?

Answer

I did not adopt the proposed amendment to add the Winter Energy Payment (WEP) to the list of assistance types that would not stop when a person does not respond to the mandatory review. The proposed amendment did not distinguish between the type of benefit. Adding WEP to the list as suggested would not have been consistent with the eligibility rules for WEP for main beneficiaries. For benefits other than New Zealand Superannuation/Veteran’s Payment if a main benefit stops then WEP will also stop. The omission in legislation affecting the winter energy payments for some superannuitants was not intended.