The scoop
Best Start is a Working for Families payment that gives families extra support over the first 3 years of their child's life. The full entitlement is $77 a week.
For children born on or after 1 April 2026, the weekly payment is reduced when family income exceeds $79,000.
How to claim it
- 1
Register for Working for Families with Inland Revenue (you can often do this when you register the birth).
- 2
If you get paid parental leave, Best Start usually begins once it ends.
Who qualifies
- Children in their first 3 years
- Income-tested for children born from 1 April 2026