Reference

NZ Childcare Subsidies 2026

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20 Hours
Free ECE (3-5 year olds)
Up to 50 hrs
Childcare Subsidy (per week)
Income-tested
Subsidy Eligibility

New Zealand has three main forms of help with the cost of childcare and out-of-school care: 20 Hours ECE (not income-tested), the Childcare Subsidy (income-tested), and OSCAR for before and after school and holiday care. They can sometimes be used together. This is a general overview; thresholds and hours change, so confirm current details with Work and Income and your provider.

Childcare Cost Calculator Childcare vs Stay Home Working for Families

The Three Main Supports

SupportWhat it is
20 Hours ECEUp to 20 hours a week of subsidised early childhood education for 3, 4 and 5 year olds (and some 2 year olds in participating services). Not income-tested. Providers may still charge optional fees for extra hours or services.
Childcare SubsidyAn income-tested payment from Work and Income toward childcare for under-5s (and some older children with disabilities). The number of subsidised hours depends on whether the parents are working, studying or meet other criteria, up to around 50 hours a week.
OSCAR SubsidyOut of School Care and Recreation: income-tested help with before school, after school and school holiday programme costs for children aged 5 to 13.
Source: Work and Income - Childcare Subsidy and Ministry of Education - Early childhood

How Eligibility Works

FactorDetail
Income testThe Childcare Subsidy and OSCAR are income-tested; the subsidy reduces as family income rises, across several income bands
HoursMore subsidised hours are available where parents are working, studying or in training; fewer where not
Age20 Hours ECE and Childcare Subsidy for pre-schoolers; OSCAR for school-aged children (5 to 13)
ResidencyStandard residency requirements apply

Because the income bands and hourly rates are adjusted from time to time, use the Work and Income childcare estimator or talk to your provider for the exact amount. The 20 Hours ECE benefit is the one most families receive, since it is not income-tested.

Source: Work and Income - OSCAR Subsidy. See also our Working for Families and School Terms references.

Cite this page NZ Childcare Subsidies 2026. Calculate.co.nz. https://www.calculate.co.nz/reference/nz-childcare-subsidies.php (retrieved 31 August 2026). Figures are compiled from the official sources listed above and reviewed twice monthly.

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