Family Assistance is financial help for low- to middle-income families with children who are 18 years or younger who are living at home and are not financially independent. It is not a benefit but recognition that not everyone can comfortably afford all the costs of bringing up a family.
To be able to receive Family Assistance you must either:
- be a New Zealand resident and have been in New Zealand continuously for at least 12 months at any time. You need to be a tax resident and be resident in New Zealand when you apply for your payments
- be caring for a child who is both resident and living in New Zealand
If you and your children are in New Zealand unlawfully or hold only a temporary permit or visa, then for Family Assistance purposes, you are not considered a New Zealand resident.
If you recently arrived in New Zealand and meet the residence conditions, you will need to attach a copy of your residence permit to your application for Family Assistance.
How much you can get depends on:
- how many children 18 years or younger you have living with you
- how much you and your partner earn (your total family income)
- where you get your income from
Inland Revenue pays Family Assistance to families whose main income is from working. It can be paid either fortnightly or as a lump sum after the end of the tax year (31 March).
If your only income is from an income-tested benefit, Work and Income pay any entitlement to you as part of your benefit.
