Having a baby

We may be able to help during your pregnancy and after your baby is born.

Pregnant

Information

Go online with SmartStart and get step-by-step information and support to help you access the right services for you and your baby: SmartStart website.

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

Having a baby while you're on a benefit

If you're pregnant and getting a benefit, you may have a change in obligations.

On a low income

 
Check what you might get

Unable to work

Jobseeker Support

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

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.

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

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.

Help with living expenses

If you're struggling financially or have had an unexpected bill, we might be able to help you, even if you're working.

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.
Advance Payment of Benefit

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

Special Needs Grant

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.

Disability Allowance

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.

Young Parent Payment

If you're 16-19, you might be able to get a Young Parent Payment from us.

Home Help

We may be able to help you with the cost of home help when you've had a multiple birth.

Caring for a child with a health condition or disability

If you need additional help with medical expenses we may be able to help.

Related

Government services available when you're having a child
Paid Parental leave
Parental Tax Credit
Working for Families Tax Credits
Child Support
Help with housing costs
Community Services Card

Contact

If you're unsure about the help you can get contact us