Best Start Payment Calculator
Estimate Best Start payments for newborn children in New Zealand — $73 per week per child for the first year regardless of income, then income-tested up to age 3.
Disclaimer
This calculator provides estimates for general information purposes only. Results should not be relied upon as professional financial, tax, or legal advice. Tax rates and thresholds are based on publicly available IRD data and may change. Always consult a qualified tax agent or financial adviser for advice specific to your circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the Best Start payment in NZ?
Who is eligible for Best Start?
How do I apply for Best Start?
Best Start is a weekly payment from IRD for families with newborn children. Year 1 is universal ($73 per week per child) regardless of income; years 2 and 3 are income-tested and abate above $79,000 of family income.
How this calculator works
Enter your family income, number of qualifying children, and their ages. For year 1, you get the full $73/week. For years 2–3, the calculator applies the IRD abatement rate of 21 cents per dollar of family income above $79,000.
Best Start Payment (2026-27)
| Year 1 (any income) | $73 per week |
| Year 2-3 (income < $79,000) | $73 per week |
| Year 2-3 abatement starts | $79,000 family income |
| Abatement rate | 21c per $1 over threshold |
| Year 2-3 cuts out at | ~$97,090 family income |
Worked Examples
Family with one newborn, $100,000 family income, child turns 2
Year 1: $3,796 (full); Year 2: $0 (income too high)
- Year 1: $73 × 52 = $3,796
- Year 2 income test: $100,000 - $79,000 = $21,000 over threshold
- Abatement: $21,000 × 21% = $4,410 reduction → wipes out $3,796 entitlement
Built and maintained by Konstantin Iakovlev. Data sourced from the IRD and official New Zealand government sources.
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