winter energy payments
an extra payment to help with household heating costs over winter
what is WEP?
The Winter Energy Payment (WEP) is an extra payment that is added to a young person's regular payment between 1 May and 1 October.
WEP isn't counted as income, so it doesn't affect other types of financial assistance. This means it won't impact eligibility for things like Temporary Additional Support, Disability Allowance and Childcare Assistance, etc.
Find out more about the effects of WEP payment on other assistance
who can get it?
Anyone receiving Youth Payment or Young Parent payment is eligible for the Winter Energy Payment. They don't have to do anything to get it. How much they get depends on if they are single, in a couple, and have children.
can you opt out of WEP?
Young people can opt out of getting WEP if they want to. They don't need to provide a reason.
To opt out, they can complete the Stop or Restart Winter Energy Payment online form via the Work and Income website.
The form is quick and easy to complete, they'll just need to provide their:
- client number
- full name
- date of birth
- email address
- contact number.
If they have a partner, they can only stop or restart the payment as a couple. The form will ask them to confirm that they both agree to this.
want to opt back in?
You can restart the WEP if you've previously opted out of it. You can use the Stop or Restart Winter Energy Payment form for this, too.
can't access the online form?
You can submit an ART task to YSSU to opt out of or restart the Winter Energy Payment. You don't need to attach a form, just fill in the template:
- Task category: Reviews
- Task type: Winter Energy Payments (WEP)
Note: MSD closes the ART task during the summer period.