You do not qualify for | Ongoing assistance

Out of School Care and Recreation (OSCAR) Subsidy

Out of School Care and Recreation (OSCAR) Subsidy is a payment which helps families with the costs of before and after school care for up to 20 hours a week, and school holiday programmes for up to 50 hours a week.

This payment can be made for each child in your family that is eligible. This payment is made directly to the child care provider that the child attends.

  • We don't think you can get this because:

    • None of your children are eligible

  • However you do meet these requirements:

    • You are a New Zealand Citizen or Resident

    • You normally live in New Zealand

  • How to apply for Out of School Care and Recreation (OSCAR) Subsidy


    Important information

    We suggest you apply at least 3 to 4 weeks before you need your subsidy to start.

    We can grant you the financial assistance you're entitled to for from the date you first contact us, or the date your childcare started, whichever is later, if you complete your application within 20 working days of that date.

    If you're a Youth Service client, you need to talk to your Youth Service provider.

    Apply for OSCAR Subsidy only

    • You and your partner (if you have one) need to complete the Childcare Assistance application form.
    • Your childcare provider also needs to complete the supervisor's section inside this form.
    • You'll need to drop off your application form, and any other documents we've asked you to get, to one of our service centres or post them to us.

    If you can't print the form out, you can call us to get an application form sent to you, or pick one up from your local service centre.


    Apply for OSCAR Subsidy and other payments

    You can apply online.

    Once you've applied online, we'll tell you what you need to do. This will include having to get your childcare provider to complete the supervisor's section of the Childcare Assistance application form

    If you can apply online for more than one service, you only need to fill out the form once.