20 Hours ECE
Au Pair Link offers the 20 Hours ECE Government subsidy to families. 20 Hours ECE (Early Childhood Education) is a Government subsidy available to 3, 4 and 5 year old children enrolled in licensed, and participating, Ministry of Education Early Childhood Education providers (such as kindergartens, centre-based and home-based providers like Au Pair Link). The scheme has been designed to give families increased options when choosing childcare and to make Early Childhood education more affordable and accessible. As a consequence, the 20 Hours ECE subsidy is not means tested or based on how much you earn.
To get this support, your child must be enrolled and participating in our Au Pair 123, Au Pair Assist, Au Pair Whiz or Au Pair Private Support programmes (in an Au Pair Link Ministry of Education licensed region). You will have to decide which of the enrolled hours will be covered by the scheme. You can choose any hours your child is enrolled to attend, and you can’t have more than 6 hours a day, 20 hours a week. Your child becomes eligible for the subsidy when they turn 3. The subsidy finishes when they turn 6. However, your child cannot receive the 20 Hours ECE subsidy if they are attending school.
Please contact us when your child turns 3 if you wish to claim the 20 Hours ECE subsidy through Au Pair Link. You will need to fill in an Au Pair Link Enrolment Form, and confirm the days and hours you are claiming as 20 Hours ECE on an attestation – which is a separate Ministry of Education form.
If your child goes to more than one ECE service, you can split the hours claimed as long as you don’t claim for more than 20 hours a week or 6 hours a day. You can’t claim for the same hours twice.
Childcare subsidy
The Childcare Subsidy (CCS) is available through Work and Income. Parents and caregivers can choose between receiving CCS or 20 Hours ECE or, in some cases, a combination of both payments. This subsidy can’t be claimed for the same hours as 20 Hours ECE. Further information can be found at www.workingforfamilies.govt.nz or you can call Work and Income on 0800 559 009.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How can I claim 20 Hours ECE with Au Pair Link?
You must be enrolled in our Au Pair 123, Au Pair Assist, Au Pair Whiz or Private Au Pair Support programmes. You must have at least one child 3, 4 or 5 years old (not attending school) and be located in an Au Pair Link Ministry of Education licensed region. You must complete an Au Pair Link Enrolment Form for each child to enrol in 20 Hours ECE.
- What is the 20 Hours ECE subsidy worth? How much less do I pay?
The subsidy amount varies based on the ECE provider and any optional charges that may apply. Au Pair Link has no optional charges and the subsidy is paid in full. The subsidy we provide is $4.76 per hour per child. So the maximum weekly subsidy per child is 20 hours x $4.76 = $95.20 per week.
- How does 20 Hours ECE get paid?
The 20 Hours ECE subsidy gets paid directly to your Au Pair and you pay your Au Pair less i.e. we effectively top up their wage for you. The easiest way to manage 20 Hours ECE is to enrol in our payroll service Au Pair PayLink. Please email
payroll@aupairlink.co.nz
for further information. NB: your Au Pair must have an IRD number and New Zealand bank account.
- What age do my children have to be to claim the 20 Hours ECE subsidy?
Your child becomes eligible for the subsidy when they turn 3. The subsidy finishes when they turn 6.
- Can I claim the 20 Hours ECE subsidy if my 5 year old is attending school?
No. If your child attends school they cannot be enrolled in an ECE service or receive the 20 Hours ECE subsidy.
- Can I claim the 20 Hours ECE subsidy on public holidays?
The 20 Hours ECE subsidy does not apply on public holidays or anniversary days. You will not receive the 20 Hours ECE subsidy for the specific enrolled hours on a public holiday. You will need to top up your Au Pair’s wage for
public holidays and anniversary days – if you are claiming 20 Hours ECE on those days. The 20 Hours ECE subsidy also does not apply when your Au Pair is on holiday or sick leave.
- Is the 20 Hours ECE subsidy means tested?
No. Any 3, 4 or 5 year old can receive the subsidy through a licensed Early Education Provider like Au Pair Link.
Further Information
If you have any questions concerning the 20 Hours ECE scheme please contact us. Alternatively, you can visit the Ministry of Education or Team Up websites for further information.