Great news! From 1st April 2025, more families now qualify for Childcare Assistance and the rates have increased for those already qualified. Income thresholds have increased and families will be able to claim up to $6.52 per child, per hour.

Work and Income’s Out of School Care and Recreation (OSCAR) government subsidy is a payment for families who need help and support with the cost of school holiday programmes.

The subsidy is designed to make the cost of childcare more affordable for eligible families who can claim up to 50 hours per week for our exciting school holiday programmes, which can be especially helpful for working parents during the school holidays.

We’ll work with you and your local Work and Income office to ensure that the process for applying for and receiving an OSCAR subsidy is straightforward and stress-free.

WHO CAN GET THE OSCAR SUBSIDY?

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

The child needs to...

  • Normally live in New Zealand

  • Be at school

  • Be under 14

  • Be attending a Kelly Sports Holiday Programme for at least 3 hours a week.

SUBSIDY CALCULATOR
Find out how much your family could receive with the help of Work and Income’s subsidy calculator.
subsidy calculator
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How much can I get?

  • How much you get depends on the size of your family, your income and 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 (because you're a casual or on-call worker for instance), use the subsidy calculator or contact Work and Income. Phone: 0800-559-009
  • Email: Centralised_Childcare_Reviews @ msd.govt.nz
  • All subsidies are paid directly to Kelly Sports on your behalf.
  • Check out the latest rates from Work and Income.
    • SEE RATES

When does it start from?

  • Childcare assistance starts from the date the care starts (or from the date you apply if you apply after it starts).

When should I apply?

  • To receive your OSCAR subsidy from the day your child starts the programme, you need to submit your application to Work and Income before your child's first day. This is especially important for school holidays.
  • If possible, we suggest you apply at least 3 to 4 weeks before you need your subsidy to start.
  • Work and Income can grant you the financial assistance you're entitled to from the date you first contact them, or the date your childcare started at Kelly Sports, whichever is later, if you complete your application within 20 working days of that date.

Why choose a Kelly Sports OSCAR Programme?

  • The OSCAR Standards provide reassurance to parents and caregivers that a programme is properly run and takes place in a safe environment for kids. Parents of children attending unapproved programmes cannot receive an OSCAR Subsidy.

Where do I get more info?

  • To learn more about the OSCAR Subsidy and how it could help you and your family, visit Work and Income online.
    • LEARN MORE
  • Our team around the country are happy to assist with any general queries related to the OSCAR subsidy. You can find your local venue here.

How to apply for your OSCAR Subsidy

Firstly

Request a client number from Work and Income (How to get a number)

Then

Then apply online through MyMSD. Work and Income will also check to see if you can get any other help from them based on the answers you give in your application. Or Download or ask your local Kelly Sports for an application form. Kelly Sports can assist with completing your application by filling in the childcare provider section. Once the form is complete it can be sent to Centralised_Childcare_Reviews@msd.govt.nz DOWNLOAD APPLICATION FORM
If you're eligible, you will be granted the Childcare Subsidy from the date you first contact Work and Income, as long as you complete your application within 20 working days of that date.