Cost of Living Payment
31 July 2022.
The Government announced a Cost of Living Payment which Inland Revenue will pay from August 2022. It's to help people on low to middle incomes who earned $70,000 (net) or less between 1 April 2021 and 31 March 2022.
Important information
The Cost of Living payment is not counted as income.
This means it won't affect any payments you get from us.
Who can get it
You need to be 18 or older to get this payment. There are also other criteria you need to meet. Inland Revenue's website sets out the criteria.
If you qualify for the Winter Energy Payment, you won't get the Cost of Living Payment.
How it's paid
The payment totals $350.
It's paid in 3 monthly payments (for 2022 only) in:
- August
- September, and
- October.
You don't need to apply for this payment. If you qualify, Inland Revenue will pay this to your bank account automatically around the start of each month.
Check your bank account number
You can check if Inland Revenue has your correct bank account number in myIR.