Early Learning Payment
The Early Learning Payment helps pay the costs of Early Childhood Education for children aged 18 months to 3 years. These children need to be from families enrolled in selected Family Start or Early Start Programmes.
If you're enrolled in a Family Start or Early Start programme, you'll be assigned a family/whānau worker who'll contact us for you.
Who can get it
You may be able to get the Early Learning Payment if:
- you're enrolled in a Family Start or Early Start programme
- your child is aged 18 months to 3 years.
This can be paid for your child to attend an approved early childhood service for up to 20 hours a week.
Families getting Childcare Subsidy or Guaranteed Childcare Assistance Payment (GCAP) can't get Early Learning Payment for the same hours.
Leaving Family Start or Early Start
From 1 October 2017, if your family leaves Family Start or Early Start, you may be able to continue getting the payments.
Your child must be:
- the child that the Early Learning Payment was being paid for when your family left Family Start or Early Start
- aged between 18 months to 3 years
- a dependent child and
- attending an approved early childhood service.
How to apply
You need to call us on 0800 559 009
We'll talk with you to understand your situation and how we can help. We'll let you know what information you need to provide and how to get this to us.
You'll need to fill out the 'Early Learning Payment application form'. We'll discuss the best way to get the completed form to us.