Best Start Payment: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn how to claim the Best Start Payment to help with the costs of caring for your child during their first year of life.
The Best Start Payment is a financial support provided to help families manage the costs of caring for a new baby. This support is designed to assist with the immediate needs that arise during a child's first year of life.
Who it's for
This payment is available to parents who have children born after July 2018. If your child was born after this specific date, you may be eligible to receive this assistance to help support your household during their first year.
What you get
The benefit provides $69 per week. These payments are intended to help cover the ongoing costs associated with a new child. You will receive this weekly amount for the duration of the child's first year of life.
What it costs you
There is no cost to apply for this scheme. It is a free government service provided by Inland Revenue. To make the process as simple as possible, you can apply for the payment at the same time you register the birth of your child. This allows you to manage your family's financial support and the legal registration of your child in one single process.
The catch to know
It is important to remember that this is a time-limited benefit. The payments do not continue indefinitely; they stop automatically once your child turns one year old. Because the support ends as your child reaches their first birthday, you should plan your household budget accordingly to account for this change in weekly cash flow.
How to apply
- Register the birth of your child through the appropriate official channels.
- Complete the application for the Best Start Payment at the same time you are registering the birth.
- Monitor your accounts to ensure the weekly payments begin as expected.
- Visit the official portal for more information: https://www.ird.govt.nz