Best Start Payment NZ 2026: How Much It Is and Who Can Get It
Best Start is a weekly payment from Inland Revenue (IRD) to help with the costs of a child’s first three years. In 2026 the full amount is $77 a week. The rules changed on 1 April 2026, so what you get depends partly on when your baby was born.
What is Best Start?
Best Start is one of the four Working for Families payments. It is paid per eligible child from birth (or after paid parental leave ends) until the child’s 3rd birthday. It is paid to you, so you can use it for whatever your family needs, including childcare fees.
How much is Best Start in 2026?
The full entitlement is $77 a week per child, up to $4,041 a year. IRD rounds instalments down to the nearest dollar.
| Your child | What you can get |
|---|---|
| Born on or after 1 April 2026, first year | Up to $77 a week, reduced if family income is over $79,000 |
| Born before 1 April 2026, first year | The full payment, whatever you earn ($77 a week from 1 April 2026) |
| Second and third year, all children | Up to $77 a week, reduced if family income is over $79,000 |
How the $79,000 income test works
When Best Start is income-tested, it reduces by 21 cents for every dollar of family income over $79,000 a year.
Example
A family earns $90,000 a year, which is $11,000 over the threshold. $11,000 x 21% = $2,310. $4,041 – $2,310 = $1,731 a year, or about $33 a week.
On the same maths, Best Start reduces to nothing at a family income of about $98,200 a year. For your own figures, use IRD’s Working for Families estimator.
Best Start and paid parental leave
You cannot get Best Start and paid parental leave at the same time. If you register for both, Best Start starts after your paid parental leave payments finish.
How to get Best Start
- You need to be registered for Working for Families with IRD.
- If you already get Working for Families, tell IRD you have a new child.
- If you are not registered, check whether you can get Working for Families on the IRD website.
- Keep your family income estimate up to date, because it affects how much you get.
You can get Best Start whatever type of income you have, including wages, self-employed income or a main benefit. IRD includes these in your family income when it works out your entitlement.
Best Start, childcare and other support for under-3s
Best Start is not a childcare subsidy, but many families with babies and toddlers put it towards early childhood education fees. Children under 3 are not covered by 20 Hours ECE, so these are the main types of support for them:
- FamilyBoost: up to 40% of ECE fees back, up to $1,560 a quarter.
- WINZ Childcare Subsidy: an hourly subsidy for children under 5 in low and middle income families.
- Best Start: up to $77 a week, paid to you.
Blooming Buds offers infant care and toddler care. Book a tour to check availability at Glen Eden or New Lynn.
Frequently asked questions
How much is Best Start in NZ in 2026?
The full Best Start entitlement is $77 a week per child, up to $4,041 a year.
Is Best Start income-tested?
For babies born on or after 1 April 2026 it is income-tested from the start. For babies born before 1 April 2026, the first year is paid in full whatever you earn. In the second and third years it reduces by 21 cents for every dollar of family income over $79,000.
Can I get Best Start and paid parental leave at the same time?
No. If you register for both, Best Start starts after your paid parental leave payments finish.
When does Best Start stop?
Best Start stops at your child’s 3rd birthday.
Can I use Best Start for childcare fees?
Yes. Best Start is paid to you, so you can use it for childcare fees or anything else your family needs.
General information only, based on Inland Revenue’s published Best Start rules, checked October 2026. Rates usually change each tax year. Check with Inland Revenue for your own situation.
