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Help paying for childcare

Depending on how much you earn and how old your children are, your family may be able to get help with the cost of childcare.

Working for Families tax credit changes from 1 July 2020

From 1 July 2020, there will no longer be the requirement for working families to work a minimum number of hours.
COVID-19 Support for families — Inland Revenue

For children under 5

20 hours of funded early childhood education

All 3, 4 and 5-year-olds can get up to 20 hours of early childhood education (ECE) fully funded by the Ministry of Education.

Help paying for early childhood education

Childcare subsidy

If you have a dependant child who’s under 5 (or under 6 if you get a Child Disability Allowance for them), you might be able to get a childcare subsidy. 

Childcare subsidy

For children aged 5 to 13

You can get help with the costs of before school and after school programmes for up to 20 hours a week and school holiday programmes for up to 50 hours a week.

Out of school care and recreation (OSCAR) subsidy

Who to contact for more help

If you need more help or have questions about the information or services on this page, contact the following agency.

Utility links and page information

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