Having a baby
We may be able to help during your pregnancy and after your baby is born.
Pregnant
Go online with SmartStart and get step-by-step information and support to help you access the right services for you and your baby.
If you're pregnant, it's important that you get a midwife and access maternity services. Talk to your doctor, or the local hospital maternity services, to find out what's available in your area.
Getting a benefit
If you're pregnant and getting a benefit, you may have a change in obligations.
Unable to work
You may be able to get Jobseeker Support if your health practitioner (eg, your midwife or doctor) says you're unable to work because of your pregnancy. You'll need a medical certificate from your health practitioner.
After the baby is born
Getting a benefit
Having a baby while you're on a benefit
If you're having a baby and getting a benefit, you may have a change in obligations or your payments could be affected.
There are also other types of support that you may be able to get.
Working for families
Best Start tax credit (BSTC) is a payment to help families with costs in a child's first 3 years.
If you're getting a Work and Income benefit, we'll pay you the Best Start tax credit with your payments.
You'll need to apply through Inland Revenue (IR) if you don't get a benefit from Work and Income.
It is also available to caregivers getting either:
- Orphan's Benefit
- Unsupported Child's Benefit, or
- Foster Care Allowance.
Eligibility and how to apply for the Best Start tax credit (Inland Revenue)external
Paid parental leave
If you're getting paid parental leave, you can't get the Best Start tax credit until your paid parental leave ends.
Helping with living costs
If you're struggling financially or have had an unexpected bill, we might be able to help you, even if you're working.
Help with costs for the baby
We may be able to help with costs for the baby if it's an essential or emergency cost you can't pay for another way, eg:
- car seats
- cots
- buggies
- clothes.
If you're getting a benefit, we may be able to help with an advance payment.
Recoverable Assistance Payment
If you're not getting a benefit, we may be able to help with a recoverable payment.
Breast pumps
Help with a breast pump if you can't breastfeed because you or your baby have health issues.
Finding or starting work – help with costs
Help with a breast pump if you can't breastfeed because you're returning to work.
Help with a breast pump if you or your baby have an ongoing disability.
Childcare
We may be able to help with childcare costs, depending on your circumstances.
Sole parent support
You might be able to get Sole Parent Support, a payment that will help you get ready for future work and supports you to find part or full-time work.
Teen parent
If you're 16-19, you might be able to get a Young Parent Payment from us.
Multiple birth - Need help
We may be able to help you with the cost of home help when you've had a multiple birth.
Your baby is sick and needs ongoing medical care
Caring for a child with a health condition or disability
If you need additional help with medical expenses we may be able to help.