Absence from New Zealand

If a child is absent from New Zealand we can continue paying Childcare Subsidy for up to 28 days from the day after the date the child leaves the country if the client:

• continue to meet the qualifications and
• a fee is being charged to hold the child's place with the childcare service or centre while they are temporarily absent from New Zealand

Paying Childcare Subsidy while the client is absent from New Zealand depends on whether the client is also getting a main benefit.

All clients getting a main benefit must tell the Ministry of Social Development before they leave New Zealand. If the client or partner does not tell the Ministry before their international travel, their benefit payments (including Childcare Subsidy) must stop.

When a client is still being paid their main benefit while they are absent from New Zealand (either because they qualify for approved travel or the requirement for approved travel does not apply to them) they can continue getting their main benefit and their Childcare Subsidy for up to 28 days in any 52 week period.

Clients who do not continue to get their main benefit while overseas (because they do not qualify for approved travel) may keep getting Childcare Subsidy, if:

• their absence does not affect the client qualifying for this assistance and
• they advised the Ministry of their absence before their international travel

Payment while a client is absent from New Zealand is limited to 28 days in a 52 week period.

For more information about Absence from New Zealand see:

• Approved travel reasons in relevant main benefit
• Absent from New Zealand more than 28 days in any 52 week period in relevant main benefit

Clients who are getting Childcare Subsidy, but do not get a main benefit:

• must advise of their departure from New Zealand and
• can be absent and paid their Childcare Subsidy for up to 28 days per absence where the client remains eligible for Childcare Subsidy. They must be required to pay to hold the child's place at the childcare service or centre if the child is not attending while the parent or caregiver is absent from New Zealand.

When a client contacts you to advise they intend travelling overseas you need to obtain the following information:

• date of departure
• date of return
• whether the child or young person is remaining in New Zealand
• whether the child or young person will continue attending the childcare centre and
• whether a fee is being charged to hold the child's place while they are not attending

When payment of Childcare Subsidy is stopped because the client does not qualify due to their absence, you need to suspend the benefit from:

• the day after departure