New Zealand’s government has announced a temporary support payment to help families manage rising fuel costs. Under the scheme, eligible households can receive up to $50 per week.

The payment is targeted at working families with dependent children who qualify for the In-Work Tax Credit. To be eligible, at least one parent must be employed, and the family must not be receiving a main benefit. While the maximum payment is $50 per week, some higher-income families may receive a reduced amount.

The support is expected to begin on 1 April 2026 and will run for up to 12 months. However, it may end earlier if fuel prices fall below $3 per litre for a sustained period.

The initiative is designed to assist households that are above the threshold for government benefits but still facing financial pressure due to high living costs.

Reference: Radio New Zealand (2026). “Who will be eligible to get an extra $50 a week as part of the fuel crisis package?” Retrieved from https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/590480/who-will-be-eligible-to-get-an-extra-50-a-week-as-part-of-the-fuel-crisis-package