Care costs

To include childcare as an allowable cost in Training Incentive Allowance, the care can be provided informally (for example, through family or friends) or through a registered provider.

If the care is provided informally, the costs must be considered reasonable. If the childcare costs are higher than those generally charged at a registered childcare centre, you would generally include the lower amount as an allowable cost for Training Incentive Allowance.

If childcare is provided through a registered provider, the client should firstly test their eligibility for Childcare Subsidy, Guaranteed Childcare Assistance Payment, or an OSCAR Subsidy.

If the client is receiving a Childcare Subsidy, Guaranteed Childcare Assistance Payment or OSCAR Subsidy, the total amount of the subsidy must be deducted from the cost of the childcare before including the cost in the Training Incentive Allowance assessment.

Other care costs include care for disabled people, people with health conditions or older people and associated costs eg transport to the care provider (less any other government assistance available).

Clients may make their own private arrangements or utilise the Ministry of Health's carer support. However, the number of hours or days that Carer Support is funded for depends on the client's needs and those of the person being cared for.

If the care is provided informally, the costs must be considered reasonable.