Financial Assistance
Below is some information about what financial assistance you might be eligible for.
Figures are correct as at April 2025
Unable to work due to pregnancy
Up to $368.01 (before tax) per week, technically through jobseeker support but without employment obligations
Rate determined by household income (cut off point of $1088 per week)
Only available from 27 weeks pregnant, unless there are pregnancy complications which require stopping work earlier
Requires a medical certificate
Parental Leave
Paid parental leave provides the primary caregiver with up to $754.87 (before tax) per week for 26 weeks (plus additional if born before 37 weeks).
Paid parental leave can be transferred from mum to dad, but not back again, and cannot be taken by both parents at the same time.
Partner’s leave is unpaid leave of 2 weeks, to be taken within 3 weeks of the birth
Extended parental leave is unpaid leave of 26 weeks and can be taken by either parent, including while the other parent is also on parental leave
https://www.employment.govt.nz/leave-and-holidays/parental-leave/types-of-parental-leave
Accommodation Supplement
Up to $220 per week, not taxable
Rate determined by weekly household income, housing costs, location of residence, and cash assets
Download our Calculator Here Accommodation Supplement Calculator
https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/map/income-support/extra-help/accommodation-supplement/index.html
Working For Families Tax Credits - 2 Children
Up to $505 per week, not taxable
Rate determined by annual household income for the tax year.
Comprised of three different tax credits with different eligibility criteria: Family Tax Credit, In Work Tax Credit, and Best Start Tax Credit
Working For Families Tax Credits - 3 or more Children
Up to $698 per week for a 3-child household, not taxable
Rates continue to increase with the number of children in the household
Rate determined by annual household income for the tax year and number of children in the household
Comprised of three different tax credits with different eligibility criteria: Family Tax Credit, In Work Tax Credit, and Best Start Tax Credit
Disability Allowance
Up to $80.35 per person per week
Rate determined by household income and additional costs incurred due to disability (eg. babies who require goat milk formula due to a dairy intolerance, or parents with postnatal depression who require counselling)
Household income must be under $1,256.07 per week to be eligible (or $992.74 per week for sole parents)
https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/map/income-support/extra-help/disability-allowance/payment.html
Home Help Hours - if you have an under 5
Parents of twins with no older children under five years old are not eligible for this
240 hours of funded home help for twins with an older sibling under five years old
1,560 hours of funded home help for triplets or higher order multiples
Home help hours are funded at a maximum rate of $26.72 per hour ($24.74 + 8% holiday pay)
Must be used within 12 months for twins or within 24 months for triplets and higher order multiples
The children’s father can be employed as the home helper (refer to paragraph 6 in the link below if advised otherwise)
https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/map/income-support/extra-help/home-help/multiple-births-01.html
Childcare Subsidy - 2 Children
Up to $6.52 per child per hour, paid to licensed ECE provider
Available for 9 hours per week if not working
Available for up to 50 hours per week if both parents are working or studying
Rate determined by weekly household income
Weekly Household Income | Subsidy per child per hour | |
|---|---|---|
Less than $1,264 | $6.52 | |
$1,264 to $2,302.99 | $5.20 | |
$2,303 to $2,484.99 | $3.64 | |
$2,485 to $2,669.99 | $2.03 | |
$2,670 or more | $ none |
https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/map/deskfile/extra-help-information/childcare-assistance-tables/childcare-subsidy-current.html
Childcare Subsidy - 3 or more Children
Up to $6.52 per child per hour, paid to licensed ECE provider
Available for 9 hours per week if not working
Available for up to 50 hours per week if both parents are working or studying
Rate determined by weekly household income
Weekly Household Income | Subsidy per child per hour | |
|---|---|---|
Less than $1,416 | $6.52 | |
$1,416 to $2,568.99 | $5.20 | |
$2,569 to $2,786.99 | $3.64 | |
$2,787 to $3,003.99 | $2.03 | |
$3,004 or more | $ none |
Family Boost
Rebate of up to 25% of childcare costs paid
Capped at $975 per quarter (per family)
Rate determined by quarterly household income
Organisations that are here to help
Here are just a few of the organisations in our region and across the country that are willing and able to assist you in your journey.
Multiples NZ
Multiples Canterbury is affiliated to Multiples New Zealand, as are other clubs around the country. The website contains heaps of useful information about your parenting journey, support services and assistance, as well as fantastic discounts for major retailers. You can also visit the Multiples NZ Facebook page.
Bellyful
Bellyful provides meals for families with newborn babies and families with young children who are struggling with illness. Families can request help directly, or be referred by a friend or service provider. In the Multiples Canterbury area, Bellyful currently has branches in Nelson, Christchurch, Selwyn, Waimakiriri, and Geraldine.
Birthright
Birthright specialises in working with families led by one person. Their goal is nurtured, resilient, inspired children and families. Free call 0800 457 146 or visit the Birthright Canterbury Facebook page.
The Little Miracles (Neonatal) Trust
The Little Miracles Trust provides support to families of premature or sick full term babies as they make their journey through neonatal care, the transition home, and onwards.
Perinatal Wellbeing
Perinatal Wellbeing Canterbury & Perinatal Support Nelson supports the wellness of mothers and their families who are suffering from postnatal depression (PND) and other related mental illnesses. They run support and wellbeing groups for both mums and dads.
Te Puawitanga ki Otautahi Trust
Te Puawitanga ki Otautahi Trust is a kaupapa Māori provider of a range of health, education and social services that promote the health education, culture, history and wellbeing of Māori / women and their whānau. They also have a Facebook page.
Clothing & Baby Gear
Clothed in Love acts as a clothing and shoe bank for families in the Christchurch area. They accept donations of good quality items for all ages, and can be contacted via Facebook or email by anyone in need of assistance.
PIPS (Pregnancy Infancy Parenting Support)
PIPS Christchurch aims to provide free and client focused practical assistance, information and advice during pregnancy and early childhood. Their services include providing essential equipment and clothing for babies, and a cloth nappy bank.
Plunket Timaru Hub
Everyone knows Plunket, however Timaru are lucky in that their service includes a Hub full of extra services including the Giving People Support and Postnatal Adjustment programs. Contact details here.
Canterbury Breastfeeding Advocacy Service
Canterbury Breastfeeding Advocacy is about helping to remove the barriers to breastfeeding that women may experience. Heaps of information to assist you with feeding choices, peer counselling groups, and a supportive group for when breastfeeding doesn't work out.