Flexible Childcare Assistance
Flexible Childcare Assistance helps with the cost of informal childcare, such as a babysitter or a friend who looks after your child. It is designed for parents who are working or taking part in work‑related study or training and can’t always access formal childcare when they need it. There are no income or asset limits, which makes this support more widely available than many other payments.
Who can get it
You may be able to receive Flexible Childcare Assistance if you:
- Are the main caregiver of a dependent child or young person
- Have informal childcare costs because you can’t access formal childcare for the hours you need
- Are in work, starting work, studying, or training, and need childcare because of this
- Are likely to need a benefit long‑term if you don’t receive this support
- Are a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident (some temporary visa holders who can work in NZ may also qualify)
You may not be able to get this payment if the child’s other parent or caregiver is able to look after them during the hours you need care.
Using it alongside the Childcare Subsidy
If you receive Flexible Childcare Assistance, you can still use the Childcare Subsidy to help pay for fees at a licensed ECE service (such as a a kindergarten, community-based preschool, home-based network, or kōhanga reo) during the times you can access formal care.
Payment rates
| Number of children | Weekly rate |
|---|---|
| 1 child | $64.02 |
| 2 children | $96.03 |
| 3 children | $128.04 |
| 4 children | $160.05 |
| 5 children | $192.06 |
Rates can change, so it’s a good idea to check with Work and Income for the most up‑to‑date amounts.
How to apply
To apply, call WINZ on 0800 559 009 to book an appointment. Some appointments can be done over the phone, but Work and Income often prefers to meet in person. They will tell you what information you need to bring, such as proof of your childcare arrangements and details about your work or study. You may also be asked to verify your identity – that you are who you say you are.
Check whether you’re eligible for the Childcare Subsidy or the FamilyBoost tax rebate
Learn more: Childcare Assistance in NZ
4 Responses
Wanted too look after my granddaughter full time and one friend’s child can I get the ece payments like the child care provider does as I would have stop working to do this and if yes how do I apply both 4 years old
to get funding for caring for children like a childcare provider you would need to apply to the ministry of education for a licence as a home-based provider of care https://www.education.govt.nz/early-childhood/running-a-service/starting-a-service/starting-a-home-based-ece-service/applying-for-a-licence/
Hi..O have a medical certificate from my doctor explaining my medical situation..How much after school care subsidy am I entitled to for 3to6pm every week day after school please..
And how much subsidy am I entitled to fur the two week school holiday programmes for 8.30 am to 3pm please..
sorry Valerie we can’t help you directly on this. You’ll need to contact Work & Income and ask for what you are personally entitled to for the OSCAR – after school care subsidy.
Here’s a link to the current OSCAR subsidy amounts https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/map/deskfile/extra-help-information/childcare-assistance-tables/oscar-subsidy-current.html