OSCAR Subsidy
Help with Y-Kids Fees
You may be eligible for help with the cost of Y-Kids
If your child attends a Y-Kids Before School, After School or Holiday Programme, you may be eligible for the Work and Income Out of School Care and Recreation (OSCAR) Subsidy.
The OSCAR Subsidy helps eligible families with the cost of approved before and after school care and school holiday programmes.
How much could you receive?
From 1 April 2026, the maximum OSCAR Subsidy is $6.72 per hour, per child.
Work and Income can contribute towards:
Up to 20 hours per week of before and after school care during the school term
Up to 50 hours per week during school holidays
The amount you receive depends on your family income, the number of dependent children in your family and the number of hours of care required.
Current OSCAR Subsidy rates – from 1 April 2026
Number of children | Weekly family income | Subsidy per hour Per child | Up to 20 hours Term time | Up to 50 hours Holidays |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 child | Less than $1,131.00 | $6.72 | $134.40 | $336.00 |
$1,131.00–$2,059.99 | $5.36 | $107.20 | $268.00 | |
$2,060.00–$2,231.99 | $3.75 | $75.00 | $187.50 | |
$2,232.00–$2,403.99 | $2.09 | $41.80 | $104.50 | |
$2,404.00 or more | Nil | Nil | Nil | |
2 children | Less than $1,301.00 | $6.72 | $134.40 | $336.00 |
$1,301.00–$2,369.99 | $5.36 | $107.20 | $268.00 | |
$2,370.00–$2,556.99 | $3.75 | $75.00 | $187.50 | |
$2,557.00–$2,747.99 | $2.09 | $41.80 | $104.50 | |
$2,748.00 or more | Nil | Nil | Nil | |
3 or more children | Less than $1,457.00 | $6.72 | $134.40 | $336.00 |
$1,457.00–$2,643.99 | $5.36 | $107.20 | $268.00 | |
$2,644.00–$2,867.99 | $3.75 | $75.00 | $187.50 | |
$2,868.00–$3,090.99 | $2.09 | $41.80 | $104.50 | |
$3,091.00 or more | Nil | Nil | Nil |
Income figures are gross household income before tax. Rates and eligibility are set by Work and Income and may change.
Who can get the OSCAR Subsidy?
You may be able to receive an OSCAR Subsidy if:
You are the principal caregiver of a dependent child
You are a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident
Your family is on a low or middle income
Your child normally lives in New Zealand and is attending school
You will generally also need care because you are:
Working
Studying or completing an approved training course
Taking part in an activity Work and Income has asked you to do
A shift worker working nights
Your child will normally need to be under 14 years old.
Children under 18 may also qualify in some circumstances where their caregiver receives a Child Disability Allowance for them.
Work and Income will assess your individual circumstances and confirm whether you qualify.
How do I apply?
You can apply for the OSCAR Subsidy through Work and Income.
Work and Income recommends applying at least 3–4 weeks before you need the subsidy to start, particularly before school holidays.
Need a hand?
We know the subsidy process can sometimes be confusing.
Our Y-Kids team is happy to help with the provider section of your application and provide the programme information Work and Income requires.
Work and Income makes the final decision about eligibility, approved hours and the amount of subsidy you receive.