training incentive allowance
if you're bringing up a child on your own and you want to study, you might be eligible for training incentive allowance
what is the training incentive allowance?
The Training Incentive Allowance is a top-up to make things easier for you while you’re getting a qualification.
If you're a sole parent receiving the Young Parent Payment, you might be eligible for the Training Incentive Allowance.
You can use it while you study, to help pay for things like childcare, transport, books and equipment.
You won't have to pay it back! You’ll still get your benefit and other entitlements – it just gives you extra money to help pay for the things that you need to study.
how does the training incentive allowance work?
Training Incentive Allowance is available for all courses at levels 1-7 of the New Zealand Qualifications Framework.
If you're enrolled to study for a qualification at Levels 1 to 7, you might be able to get Training Incentive Allowance. The course you want to study must be a recognised course of study. This is one that's funded by the Tertiary Education Commission or the Ministry of Education. You can check this information with your training provider.
The study you're doing needs to:
- increase your skills for employment, and
- be 12 weeks or more.
When you apply for Training Incentive Allowance, you will need to provide details of the course you want to study and the education institution you'll be studying at. You can apply for Training Incentive Allowance up to 28 days before your course starts.
Download and complete the Training Incentive Allowance application form with your youth coach
re-apply if your course goes for more than a year
If the course you're studying is a multi-year course, you'll need to re-apply for Training Incentive Allowance each year. As part of that application, we'll need to know if you've passed your course from the previous year.
If you haven't passed, but you have a good reason, share it with us and you may still be able to receive Training Incentive Allowance.
If you're no longer eligible for TIA, you might still be eligible for a different kind of support – like a Student Loan or a Youth Guarantee programme.
training incentive allowance vs fees free in your final year of study
If you're in your final year of study, you may be able to get a Fees Free payment after you complete your qualification. You will need to pay the fees upfront and then apply for Fees Free once you complete your qualification.
- If you use Training Incentive Allowance to help pay your study fees in your final year of study, you can’t get Fees Free as well.
- If you choose to pay your fees another way (without Training Incentive Allowance), you may be able to get Fees Free. Then you could use Training Incentive Allowance to cover other costs during your final year, such as childcare or transport.
Before making any decisions, check Inland Revenue's website to see if you meet the eligibility requirements and talk to us.