Reference

NZ Childcare Subsidies 2026

Last updated: May 2026

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

Support	What it is
20 Hours ECE	Up 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 Subsidy	An 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 Subsidy	Out 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

Factor	Detail
Income test	The Childcare Subsidy and OSCAR are income-tested; the subsidy reduces as family income rises, across several income bands
Hours	More subsidised hours are available where parents are working, studying or in training; fewer where not
Age	20 Hours ECE and Childcare Subsidy for pre-schoolers; OSCAR for school-aged children (5 to 13)
Residency	Standard 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.

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