More than two-million New Zealanders will receive their first cost of living payment today, including some who live overseas.
All up they'll get three payments totalling $350, which are supposed to be for New Zealanders earning less than $70,000 who live, and pay tax, in this country.
People who get the Winter Energy Payment are not eligible.
The Prime Minister admits the automatic system for making the payment means some people overseas will also receive it.
And the Inland Revenue Department (which is distributing the payments) says it will only look into, and possibly recover, payments if it believes it's been given "fraudulent or willfully misleading information".
University of Canterbury business school professor Adrian Sawyer spoke to Māni Dunlop.
