Payment
Orphans Benefit and Unsupported Childs Benefit are paid weekly on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. Payment is made one week in arrears.
Payment must be made directly to the caregiver.
It is a condition of receiving a benefit that the caregiver provides a:
Rate of payment
The rates payable depend on the age of the child. For the age groups and rates see:
For clothing allowance rates see:
Best Start tax credit
Principal caregivers getting a main benefit and Orphans Benefit or Unsupported Childs Benefit for children under the age of three years automatically qualify for Best Start tax credit. The caregiver can choose to get this from the Ministry of Social Development or Inland Revenue.
Principal temporary caregivers getting a main benefit for themselves and Orphans Benefit or Unsupported Childs Benefit for a child in their care under the age of three years do not automatically qualify for Best Start tax credit. They will need to contact Inland Revenue to check if they are eligible.
For more information see:
