OSCAR Subsidy

Great news! From 1st April, 2025, the highest rate for Childcare Assistance increased to $6.52 an hour per child. Families with a gross weekly income of up to $2,335.99 per week with 1 child, $2,699.99 per week with 2 children and up to $3,003.99 per week with 3 children or more children should apply.

Work and Income’s Out of School Care and Recreation (OSCAR) government subsidy is a payment for families who need help and support with the cost of before- and after-school care and school holiday programmes.

The subsidy is designed to make the cost of childcare more affordable for eligible families who can claim up to 20 hours per week for before- and after-school care. The subsidy also covers up to 50 hours per week for our exciting school holiday programmes, which can be especially helpful for working parents during the school holidays.

We’ll work with you and your local Work and Income office to ensure that the process for applying for and receiving an OSCAR subsidy is straightforward and stress-free.

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"Why pay more? Government will cover your child’s tuition with OSCAR!"

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Who can get the OSCAR subsidy?

You may qualify if...

You need to be...

Working, studying or on an approved training course
Involved in an activity that Work and Income has asked you to do
A shift worker who works nights
Seriously ill or disabled
Caring for a child in hospital or for a child you get the Child Disability Allowance for.
You can't get the OSCAR Subsidy if the child's other parent or caregiver can take care of the child.

The child needs to...

Frequently asked questions

How much can I get?

How much you get depends on the size of your family, your income and how many hours a week your child goes to the childcare provider.
If you don't know how many hours of care you'll need each week (because you're a casual or on-call worker for instance), use the subsidy calculator or contact Work and Income. Phone: 0800-559-009
Email: Centralised_Childcare_Reviews @ msd.govt.nz
All subsidies are paid directly to CDP Edu on your behalf.
Check out the latest rates from Work and Income.

When does it start from?

Childcare assistance starts from the date the care starts (or from the date you apply if you apply after it starts).

When should I apply?

To receive your OSCAR subsidy from the day your child starts the programme, you need to submit your application to Work and Income before your child's first day. This is especially important for school holidays.
If possible, we suggest you apply at least 3 to 4 weeks before you need your subsidy to start.
Work and Income can grant you the financial assistance you're entitled to from the date you first contact them, or the date your childcare started at Kelly Club, whichever is later, if you complete your application within 20 working days of that date.

Why choose a CDP Edu OSCAR Programme?

he OSCAR Standards provide reassurance to parents and caregivers that a programme is properly run and takes place in a safe environment for kids. Parents of children attending unapproved programmes cannot receive an OSCAR Subsidy.
Since 2009, CDP Edu has been committed to providing the very best in before- and after-school programmes for busy families like yours. We understand how hard it is to juggle the workday schedule, and the anxiety associated with finding safe, fun, high-quality care for your children. That’s why our quality programmes are developed in consultation with the school and the local community to feature a diverse mix of entertainment, education and relaxation.
The kids in our care are at the centre of everything we do. Our programmes are engaging and a “home away from home” that kids love to attend time and again. We create a safe environment for kids of all backgrounds and abilities to grow, have fun, learn new skills, and make new friends. Kids who attend CDP edu are learning essential life lessons and social skills without really knowing it, as they read, plan and calculate things as part of our everyday activities.

Where do I get more info?

To learn more about the OSCAR Subsidy and how it could help you and your family, visit Work and Income online.
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Our team around the country are happy to assist with any general queries related to the OSCAR subsidy. You can find your local venue here.

How to apply for your OSCAR Subsidy

Firstly

Request a client number from Work and Income (How to get a number)

Then

Then apply online through MyMSD. Work and Income will also check to see if you can get any other help from them based on the answers you give in your application.

Or

Download or ask CDP Edu for an application form. CDP Edu can assist with completing your application by filling in the childcare provider section. Once the form is complete it can be sent to Centralised_Childcare_Reviews@msd.govt.nz

Or

If you’re eligible, you will be granted the Childcare Subsidy from the date you first contact Work and Income, as long as you complete your application within 20 working days of that date.