Financial Help For Raising A Family

Key points to remember about financial support for families

• there is a range of financial support for families
• the support varies depending on your situation
• make sure you check you're receiving all the financial support you're entitled to

Visit the Work and Income NZ 'Check what you might get' guide

Can I get Paid Parental Leave?

This is a payment for the primary carer while they take time off work on parental leave. The birth mother will be the primary carer in the first instance, however she can transfer all or some of her parental leave payment entitlement to her partner if:

• they both meet the parental leave payment test for either employees or self-employed people, and
• the partner will be stopping work to have the primary responsibility for the day to day care of the child, while receiving the parental leave payment.

If you or your partner are not giving birth to the child, you will need to decide who will be the primary carer.

For information about who can get this and how much you can claim, call Employment New Zealand on 0800 20 90 20 or see information about Paid Parental Leave, on the Employment NZ website.

The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) website also has information about Paid Parental Leave.

Can I get any money from Working for Families?

Working for Families is a package which pays extra money to many New Zealand families working and raising children.

4 different types of payments - Working for Families Tax Credits

• best start tax credit
• family tax credit
• in-work tax credit
• minimum family tax credit

Check the IRD website for information about Working for Families tax credits

What are Working for Families Tax Credits?

Working for Families Tax Credits are payments for families with dependent children aged 18 and under. The payments are to help you raise your family. Entitlements are based on your yearly family income and circumstances.

Registering for Working for Families Tax Credits

There are 3 ways to register for Working for Families payments.

• register in myIR
• complete an online form
• call IRD

Find out more about how to register for Working for Families. 

Registering for Working For Families Tax Credits: Transcript.

Managing Working For Families Tax Credits

To make sure you get the right Working for Families payments, you need to keep IRD up to date with any changes in your family.

Find out more about managing Working For Families Tax Credits.

Managing Working For Families Tax Credits: Transcript.

What extra financial support can I get when I receive a benefit from Work and Income?

Check the information about benefits and payments at the Work and Income NZ website to make sure you're getting the help you're entitled to. You can also use the 'Check what you might get' guide at the Work and Income NZ website. 

What help can I get for childcare costs?

Work and Income may be able to help you with childcare costs - it depends on your circumstances and how much you and your partner earn. Check the Work and Income NZ website for information about childcare and the options available.

Different kinds of support for childcare costs

• Childcare Subsidy - for help with the cost of preschool childcare
• Flexible Childcare Assistance - for help with childcare outside normal hours
• OSCAR Subsidy - for help with before-school or after-school care, or holiday programmes, once your child starts school
• Guaranteed Childcare Assistance Programme - for parents under 20 years old with children under 5 years old
• Early Learning Payment - for parents whose children are aged between 18 months and 3 years old and in a Family Start or Early Start Programme

Can I get Home Help?

You may be able to get Home Help to help with costs if:

• you've had a multiple birth, or
• you have a domestic emergency, or
• you need help with things like laundry, housework, cooking or childcare
• need to train in parenting skills
• have adopted 2 or more children from the same pregnancy

For more information, check the information about Home Help at the Work and Income NZ website.

Can I get a Community Services Card?

The Community Services Card can help you and your family with the costs of healthcare. You'll pay less for some health services and prescriptions. If you have not received one, and think you should have, please phone Work and Income on 0800 999 999.

You can also visit the Work and Income NZ website for information about the Community Services Card. 

What is Child Support?

This is financial support paid by a parent not living with their child or who share care of their children with another person. See the Inland Revenue website for information about Child Support, or call 0800 221 221.

What is the Unsupported Child's Benefit?

Unsupported Child’s Benefit is a weekly payment which helps carers supporting a child or young person whose parents can't care for them because of a family breakdown. Check the Work and Income NZ website to see if you qualify.

What is the Orphan's Benefit?

Orphan's Benefit is a weekly payment which helps carers supporting a child or young person whose parents have died or can't be found, or can't look after them because they have a long-term health condition or incapacity. Check the Work and Income website for more information.

What other help may I be able to get from Work and Income NZ?

Work and Income NZ has a wide range of financial help available to people on a benefit or working in a variety of circumstances. If you have costs that you can't meet on your own, contact Work and Income on 0800 559 009. Or, visit the Work and Income NZ 'Check what you might get' guide and check information about extra help at the Work and Income NZ webpage.

What if my child has a disability or chronic condition?

Financial support may be available because of your child's special needs. See Financial help when your child has a disability or chronic condition.