Every major NZ government benefit, explained.

NZ entitlements change with income, family, housing, childcare, and work patterns. Below is a plain-English guide to each one — who qualifies, how much you could get, and how to apply.

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Family Support

Best Start Tax Credit

Best Start pays up to $77/week for each child under 3. See 2026 eligibility, the new Year 1 income test, and how to claim via IRD.

Tax Credit

Working for Families Tax Credit

Working for Families pays weekly tax credits to families with children. See 2026 rates, income thresholds, abatement rules and how to register with IRD.

Independent Earner Tax Credit (IETC)

IETC gives eligible workers up to $520/year tax back. See 2026 income band ($24,000–$70,000) and how to claim.

Housing Support

Accommodation Supplement

Non-taxable weekly payment toward rent, board or mortgage. See 2026 Accommodation Supplement maximums, entry thresholds and how to apply via MyMSD.

Housing Cost Reduction

Rates Rebate

The Rates Rebate pays up to $805 toward council rates. See 2026 income threshold ($32,210), per-dependent uplift, and the 30 June deadline.

Childcare Support

Childcare Subsidy

Childcare Subsidy pays up to $6.72/hour for approved childcare. See 2026 rates, income brackets and how to apply via MSD.

FamilyBoost

FamilyBoost refunds 40% of licensed ECE fees, up to $1,560 a quarter ($6,240/year). See 2026 income limits and how to claim through myIR.

Healthcare Entitlement

Community Services Card

The Community Services Card cuts GP fees, prescription costs and unlocks higher subsidies. See 2026 income thresholds and how to apply via MyMSD.

Energy Assistance

Winter Energy Payment

Winter Energy Payment pays $20.46–$31.82/week from 1 May to 1 October to benefit recipients and NZ Super. See eligibility and how it's paid.

Home Energy Grant

Warmer Kiwi Homes

EECA's Warmer Kiwi Homes covers 50–90% of insulation and up to $3,450 toward a heat pump. See 2026 eligibility.

Housing — Savings Access

KiwiSaver First Home Withdrawal

Use your KiwiSaver for a first-home deposit in NZ. Withdraw your contributions, employer match, and government contribution after 3 years' membership.

Savings Optimisation

KiwiSaver Government Contribution

Get up to $260.72 from IRD each KiwiSaver year by contributing at least $1042.86. See 2026 match rate, eligibility, and the July deadline.

KiwiSaver PIR Rate

Your Prescribed Investor Rate (PIR) decides how much tax KiwiSaver pays on returns. See 2026 brackets (10.5/17.5/28%) and how to fix a wrong rate.

Insurance Entitlement

ACC Entitlements

ACC covers treatment and 80% of lost earnings for injuries — including sports, DIY, hearing loss, and mental trauma. Learn what NZ residents can claim in 2026.

Housing Grant (Closed)

First Home Grant(closed)

The First Home Grant ended 22 May 2024. Use KiwiSaver first-home withdrawal instead — up to your full contributions plus employer and govt match.