Image: RNZThere are concerns that offering fuel support via the Working for Families system may mean some people end up having to pay it back. The government announced on Tuesday that it would pay households who receive the in-work tax credit an extra $50 a week to help with the rising cost of fuel. But it was not uncommon for people to receive Working for Families payments that they were not entitled to. Because it was paid based on household income, when a family's income changed - due to shifting jobs or business income moving - they could end up receiving too much and having to pay it back. Inland Revenue said it would monitor all customers receiving Working for Families payments to ensure they were getting what they were entitled to.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 26, 2026 10:50 UTC