Out of School Care and Recreation (OSCAR) Subsidy

Out of School Care and Recreation (OSCAR) Subsidy is a payment which helps families with the costs of before-school and after-school programmes for up to 20 hours a week, and school holiday programmes for up to 50 hours a week.

Important information

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.

  • Who can get it

    You may get an OSCAR Subsidy when you're studying 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.

  • How much you can get

    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 are made directly to the childcare provider and start from the date the care starts (or from the date you apply if you apply after it starts).

    View the current rates

  • How to apply

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

    You will be provided with a OSCAR Subsidy to download at the end of Apply Online.

    Alternatively, you can download the form.

    linksChildcare and OSCAR Subsidy application (PDF 1.25MB)
    1. Complete the OSCAR Subsidy application form.
    2. Get the childcare provider to fill out their part of the form.
    3. Get evidence of your situation (the application form will tell you what to provide).
    4. Log in to Connect and upload your form and evidence.

    If you're eligible, we can grant you the Childcare Subsidy from the date you first contact us, as long as you complete your application within 20 working days of that date.

  • Continuing childcare

    If you want to keep getting childcare payments for before, after-school and holiday care for your child, you need to confirm that with us every term.

    Continuing childcare when your child's at school

  • Reviews and changes

    Childcare assistance is reviewed regularly. It also usually stops or is reviewed:

    • the day after your course ends
    • when your child reaches the age limit for the subsidy
    • when your child leaves the OSCAR programme
    • if the child leaves your care.
    Changes in your circumstances

linksRelated links

Find an OSCAR provider