What this calculator answers
It starts with the published 2026/27 maximum Sole Parent Support rate, applies the standard weekly income deductions and shows weekly, fortnightly and annual equivalents.
New Zealand · Sole Parent Support
Solo Parent Benefit Calculator NZ 2026/27: What You’ll Get
Estimate the weekly payment officially called Sole Parent Support. People also search for the solo parent benefit, single parent benefit or WINZ sole parent benefit; Work and Income makes the final eligibility and payment decision.
Estimated Sole Parent Support
$521.52/week
Estimated after tax at the M rate, before any separate assistance or deductions.
- Maximum weekly rate
- $521.52
- Gross weekly rate before tax
- $606.69
- Entered weekly income
- $0.00
- Childcare income exemption
- $0.00
- Income used for this estimate
- $0.00
- Estimated income reduction
- $0.00
- Estimated weekly payment
- $521.52
- Estimated fortnightly payment
- $1,043.04
- Income cut-out for this scenario
- $957/week
Part-time work obligations generally apply. Income from $160 to $250 is reduced at 30 cents per dollar, then 70 cents per dollar above $250.
Estimate only: this calculator models the standard weekly income test. It cannot confirm relationship status, residence, shared care, adequate financial support, the income Work and Income will charge or whether the childcare exemption applies.
Who the standard category is for
Work and Income says applicants generally need to be 20 or older, be a single parent or caregiver who is not in a relationship and have at least one dependent child under 14.
How the 2026/27 estimate works
The maximum standard payment is $521.52 after tax at the M rate. The calculator subtracts an income deduction using Work and Income’s weekly tiers, then floors the benefit estimate at zero.
- 1
Start with the maximum
The published maximum is $521.52 after tax at M, or $606.69 before tax.
- 2
Apply the income tiers
The first $160 is normally ignored. The next tier reduces payment by 30 cents per dollar, followed by 70 cents per dollar.
- 3
Check the category
Age and the youngest child’s age indicate whether Sole Parent Support is the usual payment, but do not prove eligibility.
Maximum Sole Parent Support rate for 2026/27
This is the standard Work and Income weekly rate from 1 April 2026. The net figure is after tax at the M rate and is shown before any income deduction.
| Situation | After tax (M) | Before tax | Income cut-out |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sole parent | $521.52 | $606.69 | $957 |
Worked example without childcare costs
At $300.00 gross income a week, the estimated deduction is $62.00: $90.00 at 30% creates $27.00, and the remaining $50.00 at 70% creates $35.00. The estimated weekly payment is $459.52.
Childcare exemption example
With the same $300.00 income and at least $20.00 of eligible out-of-pocket childcare, the estimate uses $280.00 as chargeable income. The estimated payment becomes $473.52.
Youngest child under 3
You generally have work-preparation rather than part-time job-search obligations. Parent and caregiver social obligations can still apply.
Youngest child aged 3–13
Part-time work obligations generally apply. Once the youngest dependent child turns 14, Work and Income may transfer an eligible person to Jobseeker Support.
What is not included
The estimate excludes Family Tax Credit, Best Start, Accommodation Supplement, Winter Energy Payment, Temporary Additional Support, Disability Allowance, Childcare Subsidy, OSCAR Subsidy, child support treatment, debts, sanctions and non-standard tax codes. These can change total assistance or the amount deposited.
Official Sole Parent Support sources
The calculation uses Work and Income’s rate, weekly income tiers, published cut-out and childcare exemption effective from 1 April 2026. Confirm the income and childcare costs Work and Income will accept for your claim.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the solo parent benefit in NZ in 2026/27?
The official payment is Sole Parent Support. From 1 April 2026, the maximum standard rate is $521.52 a week after tax at the M tax code, or $606.69 before tax. Other income can reduce the payment.
Is it called the solo parent benefit or Sole Parent Support?
Sole Parent Support is the official Work and Income name. “Solo parent benefit” and “single parent benefit” are commonly used search terms for the same main benefit.
How much can I earn before Sole Parent Support is reduced?
The first $160 of gross weekly income is normally ignored. Income from $160 to $250 reduces the benefit by 30 cents per dollar, and income above $250 reduces it by 70 cents per dollar.
How does the childcare income exemption work?
If you pay childcare costs because you are working, an additional exemption of up to $20 a week may apply. It is the lowest of your payment, the cost not covered by a subsidy, or $20. Work and Income confirms whether it applies.
Who can qualify for Sole Parent Support?
You generally need to be at least 20, be a single parent or caregiver who is not in a relationship, have a dependent child under 14, lack adequate financial support and meet the residence requirements.
What happens when my youngest child turns 14?
Sole Parent Support ends when the youngest dependent child turns 14. Work and Income may transfer an eligible person to Jobseeker Support, which has different work obligations.
Does the estimate include Working for Families?
No. Family Tax Credit, Best Start, Accommodation Supplement, Winter Energy Payment, childcare assistance and other support are separate from the Sole Parent Support amount estimated here.
Does this calculator confirm WINZ eligibility?
No. Work and Income, often called WINZ, decides eligibility, the income it will assess, tax treatment, obligations and the approved payment. This calculator is a planning estimate only.
Sole Parent Support guides
Read focused guides covering eligibility, weekly payment examples and the other assistance a single-parent household may be able to claim.
Sole Parent Benefit NZ 2026/27: Rates & Who Qualifies
See 2026/27 Sole Parent Support rates, eligibility rules, income deductions, childcare exemptions, work obligations and what happens when a child turns 14.
Read guideSingle Parent Benefit NZ: What You Can Get in 2026/27
Learn which NZ benefit may apply to a single parent based on age and a child’s age, plus Sole Parent Support, Working for Families and application steps.
Read guideSingle Mum Benefit NZ: How Much You Can Get Weekly
See how much a single mum may receive from Sole Parent Support each week in 2026/27, with income deductions, childcare exemptions and worked examples.
Read guideBenefits for Single Parents NZ: Every Payment You Can Claim
Review NZ support for single parents, including Sole Parent Support, Working for Families, Best Start, housing, childcare, health and winter payments.
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