Absences due to COVID-19 requirements

When a child is absent due to COVID-19 requirements, Childcare Subsidy can continue being paid if the client still qualifies. A fee does not need to be charged to hold the child's place open for payment to continue.

A child may be absent due to COVID-19 requirements because they are:

• unwell and cannot attend childcare while unwell
• at high risk of severe illness if they contract COVID-19
• in self-isolation or quarantine due to COVID-19 public health requirements
• connected to a confirmed or probable case of COVID-19
• being kept home during Alert Level 3

This is not an exhaustive list. If a child is absent and you are unsure if it is due to COVID-19 requirements, please check the COVID-19 Alert System website for the most up to date COVID-19 guidelines.

There is no limit on how long Childcare Subsidy can be paid when a child is absent due to COVID-19 requirements.

However, the subsidy can only be paid for a period that relates to COVID-19 requirements. If a child is absent for other reasons, you will need to check the general absence guidelines to see how long they can be paid.

Amina's son Gabriel suffers from a respiratory condition which means he is at high risk of severe illness if he contracts COVID-19. Due to this, Amina withdrew him from childcare for 7 weeks while New Zealand was at Alert Level 3.

Because the COVID-19 Alert Level 3 guidelines state that high risk people should stay home if they can, Childcare Subsidy can continue for the full period of Gabriel’s absence.