Children and young people are loved, safe and nurtured
Oranga Tamariki has completed a review of financial assistance for caregivers of children who cannot be cared for by their parents. The review, along with the need to respond to financial pressures caused by COVID-19, has led to the introduction of a suite of initiatives for caregivers, including:
- an increase to the base rate of the Orphan’s Benefit, Unsupported Child’s Benefit and Foster Care Allowance by $25 per week per child.
- enabling Foster Care Allowance caregivers to continue to receive financial assistance for 20 days while the child they care for is in respite care.
- enabling short-term caregivers to access the Orphan’s Benefit or Unsupported Child’s Benefit.
- extending Birthday and Christmas Allowances to those receiving the Orphan’s Benefit and Unsupported Child’s Benefit.
A programme of work to simplify and unify the payment system for all caregiver payments is now underway.
The Social Security (Financial Assistance for Caregivers) Amendment Bill passed its first reading on 9 December (referred to the Social Services and Community Committee).