Financial Support

Raising a family can come with added expenses, and there’s help available. The New Zealand Government provides several financial support options for eligible families through Inland Revenue and Work and Income.

Who to Contact

• IRD - Working for Families & Paid Parental Leave
  • Freephone 0800 227 773
  • Have your IRD number handy when you call.
  • More info: ird.govt.nz/working-for-families and employment.govt.nz/leave-and-holidays
• Work & Income - Childcare Subsidies / OSCAR Subsidy:
  • Freephone 0800 774 004
  • More info and online applications: Work and Income 

Payments You May Be Eligible For

• Paid Parental Leave – Up to 26 weeks of paid leave following the birth of your baby
• Working for Families Tax Credits, which include:
  • Best Start – A weekly payment for families with a new baby, available from birth to age 1 (and up to age 3 depending on income)
  • Family Tax Credit – Main payment to help with the cost of raising children
  • In-Work Tax Credit – For families earning income from work
  • Minimum Family Tax Credit – Tops up income for low-earning working families
• FamilyBoost – A refund that helps with the cost of early childhood education

You may also be eligible for additional support from Work and Income, such as Sole Parent Support, Childcare & OSCAR Subsidies and the Accommodation Supplement. Use their tool: Check what you might get.

Applying for this first time?

If you're applying for the first time, you’ll need:

• Details of the main caregiver
• Bank account number for payments
• Children’s details – full name, date of birth, and IRD numbers

Every family’s situation is different. Your total household income, the number of children you care for, and whether you’re working or not will all affect what you’re eligible for. We recommend reaching out to Inland Revenue or visiting their website to get advice tailored to your family.