Budget fact sheets 2007 - Unsupported Child’s Benefit (UCB), Orphan’s Benefit (OB) and Foster Care Allowance (FCA) increases

The Government is providing additional assistance worth $43.018m to nearly 11,000 caregivers who care for children who cannot be looked after by their parents.  As at 1 April 2007, the Unsupported Child’s Benefit (UCB), Orphan’s Benefit (OB), and Foster Care Allowance (FCA) rates increased by $10 per week per child in line with increases to Family Support payments.

The increase provides enhanced support for caregivers and recognises their value to children whose parents are unable to care for them.

In addition, UCB and OB rates increased by a further $10 per week per child from 1 April 2007 as a contribution towards the costs associated with caring for a child.

Those people who receive the Care Supplement 1 with their UCB or OB receive a net increase of $10 per week per child; the same as caregivers receiving the FCA.

The total weekly increases per child are:

• $10 for all people who receive UCB and OB with a Care Supplement, or FCA
• $20 for all people who receive UCB and OB without a Care Supplement.

The rates automatically increased from 1 April 2007, along with the Annual General Adjustments (to benefits, thresholds and allowances).

Unsupported Child’s Benefit and Orphan’s Benefit rates:

Foster Care Allowance rates:

A Care Supplement is only available to former foster carers when they have assumed permanent care of children who have left the care of the Chief Executive of the Ministry of Social Development.  It tops up UCB/OB payments to the relevant level of FCA.