Changes to Working for Families - Best Start payments

Best Start payments give extra support to families over the first three years of a child’s life in New Zealand. To get Best Start you need to be registered for Working for Families.

The government announced change coming in to effect on 1st April 2026 mainly affects the first year of the Best Start program.

Previously, all families received the full payment ($77 per week) for the first year, but for children born from 1 April 2026 onward the payment will be income-tested immediately.

Children born before 1 April 2026

First year: The full $77 per week is paid regardless of family income.

Second and third years: The payment becomes income-tested, reducing when family income exceeds $79,000 in these years.

Children born on or after 1 April 2026

For children born from this date, the $77 weekly payment is income-tested from the start.
If a family’s annual income exceeds $79,000, the payment will gradually reduce.

You can find more detailed information on these changes and how they might affect you on Inland Revenue’s website