Ka pēhea te tautoko tamariki e mahi ai How child support works

Child support is money paid by parents who do not live with their children, or who share care with someone else. The money is to help with the cost of raising a child.

If a carer receives the Unsupported Child's Benefit from Work and Income, they'll need to complete a child support application as part of the benefit application process. Once we do the formula assessment, we'll collect any child support payable.

We do not decide parenting arrangements, who is a parent or who has the day-to-day care of children. For help with these matters, you can contact your lawyer, community law centre, local Family Court coordinator or Citizens Advice Bureau.

Types of child support

There are 3 different ways to set up child support in New Zealand.

Formula assessment

You apply and we decide the amount and manage the payments. If you're getting Unsupported Child's Benefit, you'll need to apply for a formula assessment.

Voluntary agreement

You decide the amount, register the agreement with us and we manage the payments.

Private agreement

You decide the amount and manage the payments without us.

What you need to do to set up your child support will depend on the option you choose.

Choosing a type of child support

Paying child support

Liable parents who are new to child support and earn salary or wages, will have child support payments deducted by their employer. We’ll let their employer know how much to deduct and when. If the liable parent does not receive salary or wages, they can set up an automatic payment or direct debit.

Making child support payments

Other support

We may also be able to help you with other financial support, such as Working for Families Tax Credits. These are payments for families with dependent children aged 18 and under. The payments are to help with the cost of raising a family. Entitlements are based on your yearly family income and family circumstances.

Working for Families