Sole Parent Benefit NZ 2026/27: Rates & Who Qualifies

Work and Income says you may qualify if you are aged 20 or older, are a single parent or caregiver, are not in a relationship, have one or more dependent children under 14 and do not have adequate financial support. Only one parent or caregiver can receive Sole Parent Support, and shared-care arrangements can affect the assessment.

Residence requirements also apply. The public criteria generally require New Zealand citizenship or an eligible residence status, two years of continuous residence since gaining that status and ordinary residence in New Zealand. Exceptions can be complex, so a person who meets the other conditions should still contact Work and Income rather than self-declining solely on residence.

From 1 April 2026, the maximum weekly Sole Parent Support rate is $521.52 after tax at the M code. The before-tax rate is $606.69. The number of children does not create a second Sole Parent Support base rate, although it can change other assistance such as Working for Families or Accommodation Supplement.

At $300.00 of weekly gross income, the standard deduction is $62.00, leaving an estimated $459.52 a week. Use the calculator for other income amounts, but treat the result separately from tax credits, housing assistance and childcare support.

The first $160 of weekly gross income is normally ignored. Income between $160 and $250 reduces the benefit by 30 cents per dollar. Income over $250 reduces it by 70 cents per dollar.

Declare income when Work and Income requires it, including income that is not regular wages. Child support received through Inland Revenue can count as income for the benefit. Overseas pensions and some one-off payments can receive different treatment, which a wages-based calculator cannot reproduce.

A sole parent who pays childcare because they are working may receive an additional income exemption of up to $20 a week. Work and Income policy uses the lowest of the amount paid, the cost left after Childcare or OSCAR Subsidy, or $20.

The exemption only applies for weeks in which the parent pays eligible childcare while working. It is not a $20 payment and does not reimburse the childcare bill; it reduces the income used in the benefit deduction calculation.

If the youngest dependent child is under three, work-preparation obligations generally apply. If the youngest is aged three to 13, part-time work obligations generally apply. Parent or caregiver social obligations around children’s health and education can apply in both situations.

Once the youngest dependent child turns 14, Sole Parent Support ends. Work and Income may transfer an eligible parent to Jobseeker Support, where full-time work expectations can apply unless health or another recognised circumstance changes them.

Apply online through MyMSD, then complete the listed next steps: the Jobseeker profile, obligations, documents, identity verification and any appointment. Work and Income may ask for information that verifies relationship status and care arrangements.

Sole Parent Support must normally be reapplied for after 52 weeks if it is still needed. Report income, relationship, care, address and work changes as they occur rather than waiting for reapplication.