help with parenting costs
how we can help with the costs of caring for tamariki
childcare
If you’re under 20 and a parent, or the main carer for a child under 5, you may be able to get the Guaranteed Childcare Assistance Payment (GCAP) to help with the cost of childcare.
Find details of the payment, including how to apply, at the Work and Income website.
healthcare
Most children under 14 in New Zealand can get free healthcare. This includes:
- a midwife for six weeks after your child is born
- doctor or nurse appointments
- Well Child Tamariki Ora health checks
- dentist appointments
- emergency care in a public hospital.
The Ministry of Health website contains more information about what free healthcare your child can get.
pregnancy costs
If you’re 18 or over and you can’t work because of your pregnancy, you may be able to get Jobseeker Support to help with your costs until you can get back to work.
baby costs
If you have a low income or you’re on a benefit, we may be able to help you pay for things for your baby, like car seats, cots and prams.
If you’re on a benefit
You may be able to get an Advance Payment of Benefit. You’ll have to pay this money back.
work and income: advance payment of benefit
If you're not on a benefit
You may be able to get a Recoverable Assistance Payment. You’ll have to pay this money back.
work and income: recoverable assistance payment
Breast pump
If you can’t breastfeed because of an illness or disability, you may be able to get a Special Needs Grant to pay for a breast pump. You won’t usually have to pay this back.
school costs
If you have a low income or you’re on a benefit, we may be able to help with some common school costs, like stationery, uniforms or school trips.
If you’re on a benefit
You may be able to get an Advance Payment of Benefit. You’ll have to pay this money back.
work and income: advance payment of benefit
If you're not on a benefit
You may be able to get a Recoverable Assistance Payment. You’ll have to pay this money back.
help with costs while you study
If you're bringing up a child on your own and you want to study, you might be eligible for the Training Incentive Allowance. You’ll still get your benefit and other entitlements, but TIA is a top-up to make things easier for you while you’re getting a qualification – and you don’t have to pay it back!
caring for someone else's child
If you’re 18 or over and you’re the main carer for someone else’s child, you may be able to get a payment to help cover your costs.
If you’re supporting a child whose parents have died, can’t be found, or can’t look after them because of illness, you may be able to get an Orphan’s Benefit.
work and income: orphan's benefit
If you’re looking after a child whose parents can’t care for them because of a family breakdown, you may be able to get an Unsupported Child’s Benefit.