More families can get help with childcare costs

2 October 2006
For Immediate Release 

More than 5,000 families stand to benefit from increases to childcare and OSCAR subsidies, Social Development Minister David Benson-Pope announced today.

"From today the income limits for eligibility will increase by around $5,000, making around 1,250 families eligible for Childcare Assistance for the first time. In addition, around 3,900 families who are already getting Childcare Assistance will automatically get a higher rate," Mr Benson-Pope said.

Mr Benson-Pope said that the changes mean 60% of all couples with children and 96% of sole parents will potentially qualify for help with childcare costs.

"If anyone thinks they might be eligible, I strongly encourage them to contact Work and Income to find out more."

The new income limits will be $54,600 for a family with one child, $65,000 for a family with two children, and $75,400 for a family with three or more children.

Mr Benson-Pope said the changes will build on the government's Working for Families package, which has already made substantial increases to the number of people eligible for Childcare Assistance and the amounts families can receive.

The changes are also part of the government's ten-year action plan Choices for Living, Caring and Working, which aims to improve employment and caring choices for parents and carers, and which has access to quality, affordable childcare as a key priority.

Childcare Assistance income limits will be regularly adjusted to keep up with the cost of living. The next increase will occur on 1 April 2007.

For more information visit the Working for Families website or freephone 0800 774 004.

Contact: Kelly Gunn (Media Assistant)
Phone: 04 471 9878 or 021 227 9878