Childcare absences

When your child is away for a short period and an absence fee is charged, we'll continue to pay the childcare provider so your child keeps their place.

Absence of fewer than 3 weeks

If your child is going to be away for a short period you don't need to do anything. We'll pay the childcare provider while your child is absent.

If the childcare provider is not going to charge an absence fee while your child is away, you need to let them know the dates your child will be absent.

Absence of more than 3 weeks

If your child is going to be away for longer than 3 weeks, and you want us to keep paying, there must be a medical reason.

We can keep paying for your child's place for up to 6 weeks.

If your child is absent for more than 3 weeks and you don't let us know, you may get a debt.

What you need to do

You need to get a medical certificate from your doctor.

Then log in to Connect and upload the medical certificate. You'll also need to give it to your childcare provider.

If you get Child Disability Allowance or Group Special Education Funding you don't need a medical certificate.

  • Absence from New Zealand

    We may be able to continue to pay for childcare for up to 28 days if you're going overseas. But this is only possible if you let us know before you go. Call us and talk to us about your situation, we'll assess it on a case by case basis.

    If you don't tell us you're going overseas, childcare payments may stop and you may get a debt. This applies whether you're on a benefit or not.

    Before you leave

    Email us with 'Childcare & OSCAR Subsidy' as your topic, or call us and tell us:

    • the date you're leaving
    • when you're returning
    • reason for travel
    • whether your child is travelling with you or staying in New Zealand.

  • If your provider doesn't charge for absences

    Email us with 'Childcare & OSCAR Subsidy' as your topic, or call us to let us know when your child is not going to be at childcare so we can adjust the payments to your provider. If you don't let us know, you may get a debt.

linksRelated links

Going overseas