Financial support when you’re working
Access to money to help you stay in the job you're in.
See 3 types of financial assistance on this page
Payments for families with children under 18
Working for Families — Inland Revenue
Working for Families payments are for families with dependent children aged 18 or under.
What it's about
Entitlements are based on your yearly family income and family circumstances.
There are 4 different Working for Families payments:
- In-work tax credit: A payment for families in paid work - for example, working for salary or wages, or self-employed.
- Minimum family tax credit: A payment to make sure families are getting a basic income where the parent or parents work the required number of hours for salary and wages.
- Family tax credit: A payment for each child in the family.
- Best Start: A payment for up to 3 years for children due or born on or after 1 July 2018.
Who it's for
Working for Families Tax Credits are usually income tested. Your eligibility depends on the type and amount of income you earn. They are available for:
- almost all families with children earning under $65,000 a year
- many families with children earning up to $80,000 a year
- some larger families earning more.
Payments when you're working to cover costs like childcare and unexpected bills
Benefits and payments available — Ministry of Social Development
If you're working and need extra help to cover your costs, Work and Income may be able to help you.
What it's about
You can get help for lots of different costs depending on your situation, such as:
- childcare
- accommodation
- school costs
- urgent or unexpected bills (like power or food).
Who it's for
It's for people who are working and you don't have to be on a benefit.
Help to stay in work
Ministry of Social Development
Work and Income can offer ongoing in-work support and advice if you’ve come off a benefit to start work.
What it's about
Ongoing support and advice to help you manage any challenges that come up. Contact is by phone or email, so you don’t have to take time off work.
Help to check if there’s any extra help you can get with costs like childcare, accommodation, health costs etc. Regular check-ins to see how things are going at home or work. Advice on working in your new job and workplace. If you stick at it you may get an extra incentive payment.
Who it's for
People who’ve recently stopped getting a Work and Income benefit, and who have now started working.
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