The Work and Income childcare subsidy is the only government financial assistance available to help New Zealand families cover the cost of childcare. ECE service operators and owners can claim other grants and subsidies that go toward the cost of running their service.
Below is a useful overview of essential information. Contact the MSD - see the phone number below - if you want to look into this some more and seek in-depth details.
Eligibility
Parents/ caregivers may be eligible for a WINZ Childcare Subsidy for up to 9 hours a week if they are not in paid employment, studying or training.
Parents/ caregivers may be eligible for the subsidy for up to 50 hours a week if they are in paid employment, in training, are seriously ill or disabled, caring for a child in hospital, or caring for a child for whom they get a disability allowance for.
The WINZ subsidy is only available to families for children under 5 years of age.
But it may be extended beyond the 5th birthday if the school has advised that it will not allow the child to start until the beginning of the term straight after the fifth birthday.
The subsidy is only available for children who attend a licensed early childhood service for 3 or more hours a week.
Children who receive a Child Disability Allowance can continue receiving the WINZ Childcare Subsidy until 6 years if staying in early childhood education beyond the fifth birthday.
If the ECE service receives 20 Hours ECE funding scheme for the child, then the child's parents/caregivers cannot get the Childcare Subsidy for the first 20 hours.
Parents/ caregivers can choose to ask their ECE service not to claim the 20 Hours subsidy so that they can instead claim the WINZ subsidy.
Don't Leave it Until the Subsidy is Needed Before Applying
It is recommended that parents/ caregivers apply for the subsidy at least 3 weeks before needed. Allow time for the ECE service manager or owner to complete a section of the application form.
Application
The Ministry of Social Development operates an online application process. This may be an issue for families without reliable internet connection, literacy skills, or with English as a second language. If you know a family in this situation offer support and suggest they request the assistance of their ECE service to undertake the application process.
Download and print a copy of the Application form.
Change of Circumstances
Should a parent (including partner) have a change of circumstances that may affect payment, change of hours of childcare, etc. then notify the Ministry of Social Development of the change of circumstance.
Download and print a copy of the Change of Circumstances form.
Contact
Parents/ Caregivers
Phone 0800 559 009
ECE Service Owners and Managers
Use the following number or email address for queries about subsidies or payments, or to let MSD know about changes for the service (e.g., closures) or for a child
Phone 0800 776 843
Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
WINZ phone/office opening hours: Monday to Friday, 8am – 5pm
Payment
WINZ stops the payments when the ECE service closes for Christmas holidays.
From 1st April 2022 the maximum WINZ subsidy rates and thresholds are as follows:
| Number of children | Gross weekly total household income before tax |
Childcare Subsidy (Per hour, per child) |
Childcare Subsidy (Per week, per child for 50 hours) |
| One | Less than $838.00 | $5.69 | $284.50 |
| One | $838.00 to $1,256.99 | $4.53 | $266.50 |
| One | $1,257.00 to $1,360.99 | $3.17 | $158.50 |
| One | $1,361.00 to $1,465.99 | $1.77 | $88.50 |
| One | $1,466.00 or more | Nil | Nil |
| Two | Less than $963.00 | $5.69 | $284.50 |
| Two | $963.00 to $1,444.99 | $4.53 | $266.50 |
| Two | $1,380.00 to $1,489.99 | $3.17 | $158.50 |
| Two | $1,490.00 to $1,599.99 | $1.77 | $83.50 |
| Two | $1,600.00 or more | Nil | Nil |
| Three or more | Less than $1,079.00 | $5.69 | $284.50 |
| Three or more | $1,079.00 to $1,612.99 | $4.53 | $266.50 |
| Three or more | $1,613.00 to $1,748.99 | $3.17 | $158.50 |
| Three or more | $1,749.00 to $1,884.99 | $1.77 | $88.50 |
| Three or more | $1,885.00 or more | Nil | Nil |
Check with WINZ for more information or to check your eligibility