The Price of Butter… and Other Important Matters

The price of butter is a hot conversation topic right now, which is proof, if ever we needed it, many are doing it tough when it comes to the cost of living. To back up the butter-chat, the international market research and consulting firm, Ipsos, recently reported “1 in 4 (26%) of New Zealanders are finding it difficult to manage financially,” while Stats New Zealand confirms “the cost of living for the average household increased three percent in the year ending December 2024.” But wait – there’s more! The three percent increase varied between households, with super-annuitants actually bearing a 3.6% increase in the cost of living.

As super-annuitants we’re well known for our ability to scrimp and save, but many of us are now finding it difficult, sometimes even impossible, to make ends meet. If you, or a senior you care about is in this situation, perhaps it’s time to look at what extra benefits you could be entitled to. Even among those offered by the government, there will be some you may never have heard of, and if you don’t ask – you don’t get! As well as potential government top-ups to your super, there are other forms of financial assistance you may be entitled to, many of which may be off your radar. Below, is a by-no-means-exhaustive list of just what you might be missing out on:

Government funded support

The following assistance is available to super-annuitants who meet stated criteria – check here for details.

The Accommodation Supplement

Whether you rent, board or own your own home, a Work and Income NZ’s (WINZ) Accommodation Supplement can help with related costs. If you own your own home, this help may extend to mortgage repayments, body corporate fees, rates, water rates, house insurance, mortgage protection insurance (or life insurance where this is required to obtain a mortgage), and a range of essential repairs and maintenance. If you’re renting, the Accommodation Supplement can assist with rent, and also water usage charges. It can provide a loan if you get behind in your rental payments. If you’re in a boarding situation (where your board includes costs such as power, phone, internet and water), a WINZ Accommodation Supplement can cover a portion of the full board.

If you are living in a social housing situation, it’s unlikely you will be entitled to an Accommodation Supplement.

Temporary Additional Support

Even if you are already receiving an Accommodation Supplement, you may be entitled to Temporary Additional Support. If you qualify, this support will be for a short period to help you get back on your feet (and you will need to apply for it every 13 weeks).

Disability Allowance

Many people think of this allowance as helping only with medical costs such as doctor and hospital visits, medicines, and medical alarms, but it is much more than this. A disability allowance can assist with costs relating to lawn mowing, gardening, window cleaning, special foods, clothing, gym and swimming pool fees, rental equipment, counsellor’s appointments, telephone, heating, and more.

Special Needs Grant

This one-off payment can help out in urgent situations when you may not have the funds to pay for essentials such as bedding, food, or emergency medical or dental care. You won’t usually be asked to pay it back.

Funeral Grant

If you are in the difficult position of being unable to afford the burial costs of a loved one, this grant can help, and you don’t have to be on a benefit to be eligible to receive it. Assistance may also be available to help you travel to a funeral or tangi. Those on a benefit may also be able to receive financial assistance in times of bereavement by having their benefit paid in advance (this is called an ‘Advance Payment of Benefit).

Other sources of support

The Rates Rebate Scheme

Local councils administer a rates rebate scheme. As a SuperGold Card holder, you may be entitled to rates relief up to a maximum  of $790 a year (from July 1st, 2025, this will increase to $805).

Travel assistance with Total Mobility

Central and local government partner to provide users of the Total Mobility scheme with affordable door to door transport options where it is available. The subsidy can reduce the likes of taxi journeys by up to 75% (up to a set maximum). Many eligible super-annuitants use this scheme to afford trips to and from appointments and to help them access essential shopping.

Travel cost assistance with Air New Zealander

Air New Zealand offers generous fare reductions, refunds, and flight changes under it’s ‘Compassionate Fares’ scheme, and it’s not means tested. This special scheme can help you reduce the costs of being with loved ones during a medical emergency or bereavement. What’s more, it is possible to apply in retrospect.

Off-peak travel cost assistance

In many parts of the country, super-annuitants travel free on trains, buses, and ferries during designated off-peak times (which often include all-day on weekends). By linking your SuperGold Card to the likes of Bee Card and Metlink, you can travel free around your own locality, or when away on holiday.

There’s nothing like your own personal experience to help others help themselves. If you have experienced financial assistance you think other seniors may be benefit from, do let us know. Because we’re all in this cost of living crisis together!