55602 (2024). Hon Carmel Sepuloni to the Minister for Social Development and Employment

55602 (2024). Hon Carmel Sepuloni to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: Are beneficiaries who are placed at red according to the traffic light system still able to access, if at all, the Winter Energy Payment?

Hon Louise Upston: The Traffic Light System does not change what assistance is or is not available to people at different sanction levels. These settings remain the same as they were prior to the introduction of the Traffic Light System. I am advised by the Ministry of Social Development (the Ministry) if a person is receiving a portion of their benefit, they can still access the Winter Energy Payment (WEP). If a client’s benefit is suspended, access will be dependent on their circumstances. If a client’s benefit is cancelled, they cannot access the payment. If a couple is in receipt of the payment, and one of the couple has their benefit cancelled, the other person in the couple will receive the full Winter Energy Payment.