Additional Support:
Clothing Allowance
If you get Unsupported Child's Benefit or Orphan's Benefit, you'll also automatically get a Clothing Allowance for children in your care, to help you pay for their clothing.
Learn More
Establishment Grant
Establishment grant is paid automatically when you first get Unsupported Child's Benefit or Orphan's Benefit. This is a once only payment of $350 for each child you're caring for. This money helps you buy things like a bed, bedding and clothing. You won't be taxed on this money, and you won't have to pay it back.
Learn More
Holiday and Birthday Allowance
You automatically get the Holiday and Birthday Allowance if you already get Unsupported Child's Benefit or Orphan's Benefit. Use these payments to celebrate important events in the child’s life, like their birthday or Christmas.
Learn More
School and Year Start-up Payments
Help with the costs that mostly happen at the beginning of the year, in particular pre-school and school-related costs, eg clothing, school fees and stationery.
Application Process
The online application form is available in mid-January until end February on Work and Income's website.
Learn More
Extraordinary Care Fund
This fund helps support children to develop their skills and talents. It can also help children who are experiencing difficulties that are significantly impacting on their development. If a child you care for shows promise in a skill or talent, or because they are experiencing difficulties and need extra support you can apply for up to $2,000 for the child each year. Conditions apply.
Application Process
Contact us for advice.
Contact Us
If you apply for EFC before:
25 October 2024
7 February 2025
29 April 2025
You will hear back from Work and Income (WINZ) after:
9 December 2024
24 March 2025
16 June 2025
Learn More