NZ Government Content

Extra help if you are caring for a child

Child Disability Allowance

Child Disability Allowance is a payment made to the main carer of a child or young person with a serious disability. It is paid in recognition of the extra care and attention needed for that child.

There is no income or asset test for the Child Disability Allowance. Carers of dependent children may be able to get both the Child Disability Allowance and the Disability Allowance.

Talk to Work and Income, or Senior Services if you are 65 and over.

Childcare Assistance

You may be able to get financial help toward childcare:

  • Childcare Subsidy for preschool children
  • OSCAR Subsidy for older children (it usually stops when the child turns 14, or 18 for disabled children)

Both these subsidies are income tested.

Who to contact about the Childcare Subsidy or OSCAR Subsidy

Talk to Work and Income