New Zealand Sole Parent Support: rates and child age

Sole Parent Support combines a published weekly rate with income and family criteria, and eligibility ends when the youngest child turns 14.

Weekly rate after tax at M

$521.52Work and Income, benefit rates at 1 April 2026

Weekly rate before tax

$606.69Work and Income, benefit rates at 1 April 2026

Applicant age

20 or olderWork and Income, Sole Parent Support

Dependent-child age

Under 14Work and Income, Sole Parent Support

When youngest child turns 14

Sole Parent Support eligibility endsWork and Income, Sole Parent Support

The published weekly rate

The benefit table at 1 April 2026 gives Sole Parent Support as $521.52 a week after tax at the M tax code, or $606.69 a week before tax. The after-tax column expressly uses M. The table also notes that Special Benefit standard costs are equal to 70% of the unabated main benefit and unabated family tax credit combined. Work and Income, benefit rates at 1 April 2026 (opens in a new tab).

Who the payment covers

Sole Parent Support is a weekly payment helping single parents find part-time work or prepare for future work. Applicants may qualify if aged 20 or older, a single parent or caregiver, with one or more dependent children under 14, not in a relationship and without adequate financial support. Only one parent or caregiver can receive Sole Parent Support, and shared care can affect payments. Citizenship or residence status, continuous residence and ordinary residence criteria also apply. Work and Income, Sole Parent Support (opens in a new tab).

The youngest child's age changes the position

The payment supports preparation for future work when the youngest child is under 3, and finding part-time work when that child is aged 3–13. Once the youngest child turns 14, the parent is no longer able to receive Sole Parent Support. Work and Income says it may transfer the parent to Jobseeker Support. It also describes possible help with education and training while receiving Sole Parent Support. Work and Income, Sole Parent Support (opens in a new tab).

Income and ongoing requirements

The amount paid depends on the recipient's situation and earnings. Child support received counts as income for the benefit. Ongoing obligations include reporting changes, finding or preparing for work, and taking part in work ability assessments; failing obligations can reduce or stop the benefit. A person who still needs Sole Parent Support after a year has to reapply. Work and Income also describes a Community Services Card after approval and possible family tax credit payment with the benefit or through Inland Revenue. Work and Income, Sole Parent Support (opens in a new tab).

Scope of this explanation

This is general information about the published rate and family criteria. It does not determine shared care, relationship status, residence eligibility or an individual's payment. No Sole Parent Support calculator or worked household example is provided. The guide does not calculate income deductions, assign a tax code, decide compliance with obligations or confirm a transfer to another benefit for a particular parent.

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