Money help for parents in New Zealand

Payments and help you may be able to get, roughly how much, where to apply and when.

This only shows what may be worth checking. It can't tell you if you qualify: the official page decides.

Paid parental leave

For people who take time off work to care for a new baby.

Up to $77 a week

Support for the first 3 years of your child's life, through Working for Families. It starts after paid parental leave ends.

Payments for families caring for a dependent child.

Help with childcare costs, up to 50 hours a week depending on your circumstances.

Giggle & Grow keeps these dates for you, with your diary, feeds and weaning, from pregnancy to toddler.

Names, amounts and links from official pages, checked 8 November 2026. Amounts change, often every January.