OSCAR Subsidy - the low down | www.skids.co.nz

You need to be ….

• working, studying or on an approved training course
• involved in an activity that Work and Income has asked you to do
• a shift worker who works nights
• seriously ill or disabled
• caring for a child in hospital or for a child you get the Child Disability Allowance for.

You may get an OSCAR Subsidy if

• you’re the main carer of a dependent child
• you’re a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident
• your family is on a low or middle income.

You can’t get the OSCAR Subsidy if the child’s other parent or caregiver can take care of the child.

The child or young person must:

• normally live in New Zealand
• be at school
• be under 14 (or under 18 if you get a Child Disability Allowance for them)
• be attending an OSCAR programme that’s been approved by the Ministry of Social Development, eg: before school / after school / holiday programmes and camps
• be attending the programme for 3 or more hours a week.

You can get up to 20 hours during term time and up to 50 hours during school holidays.

How much you get depends on:

• the size of your family
• your income
• how many hours a week your child goes to the childcare provider.

If you don’t know how many hours of care you’ll need each week (eg, you’re a casual or on-call worker) we’ll talk with you about your options when you apply.

Payments would be made directly to sKids and start from the date the care starts (or from the date you apply if you apply after it starts).

To receive your OSCAR subsidy from the day your child starts the programme, you need to submit your application to us before your child’s first day. This is especially important in school holidays.

You should apply at least 3 to 4 weeks before you need your payments to start.

Our sKids Team are ‘at the ready’ to discuss eligibility and help with your application.  Alternatively should you wish to manage this yourself, you can download the form HERE.

Childcare and OSCAR Subsidy application (PDF 1.25MB)

1. Complete the OSCAR Subsidy application form.
2. We will filll out our part of the form.
3. Get evidence of your situation (the application form will tell you what to provide).

Alternatively you can apply online HERE>>

If you’re eligible, you will be granted the Childcare Subsidy from the date you first contact MSD, as long as you complete your application within 20 working days of that date.

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