Financial Support for Caregivers

The Orphan's Benefit: (OB)

This is a weekly payment which helps carers supporting a child or young person whose parents have died or can't be found, or can't look after them because they have a serious long-term health condition or incapacity.

The Unsupported Child Benefit (UCB)

This is a weekly payment which helps carers supporting a child or young person whose parents can't care for them because of a family breakdown. This might be a temporary care situation or for the long term.

How much you can get

The Work and Income New Zealand links to the UCB and OB above have quick links to the current weekly rates for each age-group. There are some payments that are paid automatically to you as follows:

How to apply - Unsupported Child Benefit or the Orphan's Benefit

1. The application for the Unsupported Child Benefit or the Orphan's Benefit is on the same form.
2. Call or contact Work and Income and tell them you need to apply for this support.
3. There is an application form that must be completed.
4. You will also need to provide the following information to them to assess your eligibility for this support.

You'll usually need to provide:

• A full birth certificate for the child
• A copy of the custody or guardianship agreement
• Details about the child's income
• Family Group Conference Outcomes, Court Orders or Court Approved Plans
• Names, addresses and phone numbers of the child's parents and their places of work.

If you don't have these documents or find it hard to get these, please call Work and Income on 0800 559 009. 

Call them to talk about your circumstances and they will explain how to apply, and what documents you'll need to provide.

To download the application form for the Unsupported Child or Orphan's Benefit click below.

Clothing Allowance

If you get Unsupported Child's Benefit or Orphan's Benefit, you'll also automatically get a Clothing Allowance for children in your care, to help you pay for their clothing.

Establishment Grant

Establishment grant is paid automatically when you first get Unsupported Child's Benefit or Orphan's Benefit. This is a once only payment of $350 for each child you're caring for. This money helps you buy things like a bed, bedding and clothing. You won't be taxed on this money, and you won't have to pay it back.

Holiday and Birthday Allowance

You automatically get the Holiday and Birthday Allowance if you already get Unsupported Child's Benefit or Orphan's Benefit. Use these payments to celebrate important events in the child’s life, like their birthday or Christmas.

School and Year Start-up Payments

Help with the costs that mostly happen at the beginning of the year, in particular pre-school and school-related costs, eg clothing, school fees and stationery.

Application Process
The online application form is available in mid-January until end February on Work and Income's website.

Extraordinary Care Fund

This fund helps support children to develop their skills and talents. It can also help children who are experiencing difficulties that are significantly impacting on their development. If a child you care for shows promise in a skill or talent, or because they are experiencing difficulties and need extra support you can apply for up to $2,000 for the child each year. Conditions apply.

Application Process
Contact us for advice.

Contact Us

If you apply for EFC before:

25 October 2024

3 February 2025 (now a week earlier, was 7 February)

29 April 2025

You will hear back from Work and Income (WINZ) after:

9 December 2024

24 March 2025

16 June 2025