WINZ Childcare Subsidy 2026: Rates, Who Qualifies and How to Apply
The Work and Income (WINZ) Childcare Subsidy helps low and middle income families with the cost of early childhood education for children under 5. It is paid straight to your childcare provider, so it comes off your bill. Here are the 2026 rates, who qualifies and how to apply, based on Work and Income’s own information.
In short: from 1 April 2026 the subsidy is up to $6.72 an hour per child, for up to 50 hours a week if you are working, studying or training.
Who can get the Childcare Subsidy?
Work and Income says you may get it if:
- you are the principal caregiver of a dependent child
- you are a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, and normally live in New Zealand
- your family is on a low or middle income.
Your child must be:
- under 5 (or over 5 if they are going to a cohort entry school, or under 6 if you get a Child Disability Allowance for them)
- attending an approved early childhood education service, such as a licensed childcare centre, for 3 or more hours a week.
How many hours does it cover?
It is normally paid for up to 9 hours a week if you are not working, studying or training. You may get up to 50 hours a week if you are:
- working, studying or on an approved training course
- doing an activity Work and Income has asked you to do
- a shift worker who works nights
- seriously ill or disabled
- caring for a child in hospital, or a child you get the Child Disability Allowance for.
In most cases you cannot get more than 9 hours a week if the child’s other parent or caregiver can care for them.
Childcare Subsidy rates 2026
These are Work and Income’s rates from 1 April 2026. Income means your gross (before tax) weekly family income.
1 child
| Gross weekly family income | Per hour, per child | Per week (50 hours) |
|---|---|---|
| Less than $1,131 | $6.72 | $336.00 |
| $1,131 to $2,059.99 | $5.36 | $268.00 |
| $2,060 to $2,231.99 | $3.75 | $187.50 |
| $2,232 to $2,403.99 | $2.09 | $104.50 |
| $2,404 or more | Nil | Nil |
2 children
| Gross weekly family income | Per hour, per child | Per week (50 hours) |
|---|---|---|
| Less than $1,301 | $6.72 | $336.00 |
| $1,301 to $2,369.99 | $5.36 | $268.00 |
| $2,370 to $2,556.99 | $3.75 | $187.50 |
| $2,557 to $2,747.99 | $2.09 | $104.50 |
| $2,748 or more | Nil | Nil |
3 or more children
| Gross weekly family income | Per hour, per child | Per week (50 hours) |
|---|---|---|
| Less than $1,457 | $6.72 | $336.00 |
| $1,457 to $2,643.99 | $5.36 | $268.00 |
| $2,644 to $2,867.99 | $3.75 | $187.50 |
| $2,868 to $3,090.99 | $2.09 | $104.50 |
| $3,091 or more | Nil | Nil |
The weekly amounts are the maximum for 50 hours. What you actually get also depends on the hours your child attends and the fees charged.
How it works with 20 Hours ECE and FamilyBoost
- At a childcare centre, you cannot get the Childcare Subsidy for the same hours your child gets 20 Hours ECE. It can help with the other hours.
- It does not cover optional charges or donations.
- If you still pay fees after the subsidy, you may be able to claim FamilyBoost on what is left.
How to apply
Work and Income suggests applying at least 3 to 4 weeks before you need the subsidy to start. It can be paid from the date you first contact them, or the date care started if that is later, as long as you complete the application within 20 working days.
- Already get payments from Work and Income? You can apply online through SmartStart.
- New client? You and your partner fill in the Childcare Assistance application form. Your childcare provider completes the supervisor’s section. You can email the form or ask your provider to send it.
- If it is your first time applying for a benefit or ongoing payment, you need to show your original government ID at a service centre.
After that, tell Work and Income straight away about changes such as a change in income, work or study hours, your child’s attendance, or your child starting or stopping 20 Hours ECE.
For full details see the Childcare Subsidy page on the Work and Income website.
Applying at Blooming Buds
If your child is enrolling at Blooming Buds in Glen Eden or New Lynn, we complete the supervisor’s section of the Childcare Assistance form for you. Book a tour and we can talk through the paperwork.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the WINZ Childcare Subsidy per hour in 2026?
From 1 April 2026 it is up to $6.72 an hour per child, reducing to $5.36, $3.75 or $2.09 as family income rises, and nil above the income limit.
What is the income limit for the Childcare Subsidy?
For a family with 1 child, the subsidy stops at a gross weekly family income of $2,404. The limit is higher for 2 children ($2,748) and 3 or more children ($3,091).
How many hours does the Childcare Subsidy cover?
Usually up to 9 hours a week, or up to 50 hours a week if you are working, studying, training or meet one of Work and Income’s other criteria.
Can I get the Childcare Subsidy and 20 Hours ECE?
Yes, but not for the same hours at a childcare centre. The subsidy can help with hours outside 20 Hours ECE.
Who is the Childcare Subsidy paid to?
Work and Income pays it directly to your childcare provider, so it comes off your fees.
General information only, based on Work and Income’s published Childcare Subsidy information and rate tables, checked October 2026. Rates change each April. Contact Work and Income for a decision on your situation.
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October 30, 2026 at 6:13 am[…] WINZ Childcare Subsidy: an hourly subsidy for children under 5 in low and middle income families. […]