Childcare help please

Hi there!

I'm going back to work next month (sort of spur of the moment thing). I have been constantly googling for childcare centres in the Grey Lynn/ Ponsonby area and calling just about everybody with no luck ! (I guess no surprises there) Does anyone know of any centres who don't have waiting lists in the area but still have high standards of care? ALSO do parents get a childcare subsidy here? (i'm from Aust but have been living here for nearly 4 years but still don't know how any of these tax/assistance stuff works). Does it depend on how much you and your partner make? I was reading somewhere that if you don't work you still get 9 hours of childcare...that can't be right? right? I just don't understand this stuff because i've never applied for any of it.... Any help/simple explanations would be really appreciated

Hey.

Yup income thresholds against the childcare subsidy, and they are a lot lower than Aussie ones!
The rates have just changed a little as well.
You are entitled to 9hrs regardless of whether you're doing anything or not. If you're working then its whatever the lesser parent is working + travel time.

Depending how old your child is, so if between 3 - 4 you will probably get the 20 Free ECE hours which is done through Ministry of Education.

Not sure about centres in your are though sorry. I'd probably go driving round the area to see the different centres. I've found googling doesn't really give you much answers.

Family tax credits, best to ring IRd - also income thresholds there.

Give winz a call and chat about CCS, you don't need an appt to apply. But you will need the forms and they can note your file to say your applying so if forms arent completed by time she starts it MAY be able to be backpaid.