New Zealand Orphan's and Unsupported Child's Benefit rates

Both benefits support carers of children whose parents have died or cannot care for them, with weekly rates that depend on the child's age.

Eligibility basis

Child's circumstances, not carer's incomeWork and Income, Orphan's Benefit

Under 5 years

$301.53 a weekMinistry of Social Development, Orphans Benefit and Unsupported Childs Benefit rates at 1 April 2026

5 to 9 years

$303.62 a weekMinistry of Social Development, Orphans Benefit and Unsupported Childs Benefit rates at 1 April 2026

10 to 13 years

$327.16 a weekMinistry of Social Development, Orphans Benefit and Unsupported Childs Benefit rates at 1 April 2026

14 years and over

$350.58 a weekMinistry of Social Development, Orphans Benefit and Unsupported Childs Benefit rates at 1 April 2026

Clothing Allowance

Paid automatically with the benefitWork and Income, Orphan's Benefit

Application

Contact Work and Income to applyWork and Income, Orphan's Benefit

Two benefits for different situations

Orphan's Benefit is for carers of a child whose parents have died, cannot be found, or cannot look after the child because of a serious long-term health condition or incapacity. Both are weekly payments administered by Work and Income. Work and Income, Orphan's Benefit (opens in a new tab).

Unsupported Child's Benefit is for carers of a child whose parents cannot care for them because of family breakdown. Work and Income, Unsupported Child's Benefit (opens in a new tab).

The weekly rates depend on the child's age

At 1 April 2026 the non-taxable weekly rates are $301.53 for a child under 5, $303.62 for a child aged 5 to 9, $327.16 for a child aged 10 to 13 and $350.58 for a child aged 14 or over. Ministry of Social Development, Orphans Benefit and Unsupported Childs Benefit rates at 1 April 2026 (opens in a new tab).

A Clothing Allowance is also paid automatically with Unsupported Child's Benefit. Work and Income, Unsupported Child's Benefit (opens in a new tab).

A Clothing Allowance is paid automatically with Orphan's Benefit. Other support may include an Establishment Grant, Holiday and Birthday Allowance, School and Year Start-up Payment and Extraordinary Care Fund. Work and Income, Orphan's Benefit (opens in a new tab).

Income the child has may affect the rate

The benefit is not based on the carer's income. Income the child receives from working after school or in holidays does not affect the payment. Other income such as from a family trust, ACC, investments or the parents' estate could affect whether the carer qualifies and the amount paid. Work and Income, Unsupported Child's Benefit (opens in a new tab).

Other support available alongside the benefit

Carers receiving Orphan's Benefit or Unsupported Child's Benefit may also qualify for other support. The Holiday and Birthday Allowance is paid automatically each year to help with celebration costs. The Establishment Grant is a one-off payment when the benefit first starts to help with initial costs such as a bed or clothing. The School and Year Start-up Payment assists with pre-school and school-related costs including clothing and stationery. The Extraordinary Care Fund supports children with skill development or those experiencing difficulties affecting their development. Work and Income, Orphan's Benefit (opens in a new tab).

How to apply and when payments start

Carers need to contact Work and Income to apply. Required documents include the child's full birth certificate, custody or guardianship agreement, details of the child's income, and death certificates if both parents have died. Payments typically begin 2 to 4 weeks from the date of application or the date care starts, whichever is later. Payments cannot be backdated. Work and Income, Orphan's Benefit (opens in a new tab).

Scope of this explanation

This is general information about published eligibility categories and the Clothing Allowance. It does not establish entitlement, calculate a specific child's rate, assess which parent or guardian qualifies, or determine a family's additional support amounts. No Orphan's Benefit or Unsupported Child's Benefit calculator or worked family example is provided here.

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