Updated
Do you get paid to homeschool in NZ? The allowance and other funding
Yes. Once your child's home education exemption is approved, the Ministry of Education pays a Home Education Supervision Allowance twice a year. It isn't a wage, and it won't cover everything, but for most families it pays for books, a subscription or two, and the odd excursion.
This guide covers the current rates, when the money arrives, the declaration you must return to be paid, and the free and low-cost help that stretches it further.
How much you get (2026 rates)
The allowance is paid per child. The rate depends on how many children you are home educating: the first child gets the highest rate, and each additional child a little less.
| Child on exemption | Each half-year | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| First child | $398 | $796 |
| Second child | $338.50 | $677 |
| Third child | $278.50 | $557 |
| Each child after that | $199 | $398 |
As a worked example, a family home educating three children receives $796 + $677 + $557 = $2,030 a year, in two payments of $1,015.
These are the rates on the Ministry of Education's allowances page, last updated 4 September 2026 and checked by us on 2 October 2026. MoE can change them, so check that page before budgeting around them.
When it's paid
The allowance is paid in arrears, in two instalments a year:
- Late June, covering 1 January to 30 June
- Late November, covering 1 July to 31 December
There is no monthly payment. If your child's exemption was granted partway through a period, the allowance is only paid from the date the exemption became active. Nothing is paid while your application is still being assessed.
The declaration: how you actually get paid
To receive the allowance, you must complete and return a statutory declaration for every six-month period before the Ministry will pay it. It confirms that you are still home educating your child.
The declaration is short, but it is the step families most often miss. It can look like routine paperwork, and if it isn't returned, that period isn't paid. If your exemption has been approved and you haven't received a declaration form, contact your regional Ministry of Education office and ask.
When the allowance stops
The allowance can continue until the end of the year in which your child turns 19, as long as you keep meeting the conditions and returning declarations. It stops if your child enrols at a registered school or your exemption ends.
Travelling overseas
The Ministry's rule is simple:
- 28 days or less away: no change to your allowance.
- 29 days or more away: you are only paid for the time your child was in New Zealand.
What families spend it on
The allowance is meant to support your child's education. Families commonly use it for:
- Books, workbooks and printed curriculum packs
- Online learning subscriptions (maths programmes, reading apps, language courses)
- Science kits and art supplies
- Music lessons, instrument hire or specialist tutors
- Museum memberships and educational trips
- Homeschool co-op fees
- Printing and stationery
Free and low-cost help that stretches it further
Our free homeschooling resources list collects the best NZ options in one place. A few highlights:
Your local library. A library card usually unlocks far more than books: Libby and BorrowBox for ebooks and audiobooks, online databases, documentaries and research tools. Many librarians are happy to point home educating families to resources, and weekday visits are quieter.
Museums and science centres. Te Papa is free to visit and publishes education resources you can use at home. Many regional museums and science centres run programmes for home educators, so ask whether they keep a homeschool mailing list.
The outdoors. Parks, beaches, bush and streams are some of the best science and geography lessons there are, especially with a plan for what you'll look for.
Free online learning. Khan Academy and Crash Course cover a remarkable range of subjects at no cost. They work best alongside you, not instead of you.
Co-ops and groups. Home educating families often pool their strengths: one parent runs maths for the group, another art. Search Facebook for "homeschool" plus your region, and ask in local groups, where the knowledge is usually more current than any directory.
Second-hand curriculum. Families regularly sell workbooks, readers and full curriculum packs on Trade Me once their children outgrow them. Check there before buying new.
Low-cost programmes. Reading Eggs and Mathseeds are widely used in NZ for early literacy and numeracy, and cost less than most full curriculum packages.
Common questions
Can I get the allowance while my application is being processed? No. It is only paid from the date your child's exemption becomes active.
How much is it for three children? $2,030 a year at the current rates: $796 for the first child, $677 for the second and $557 for the third.
When is the allowance paid? In late June (for January to June) and late November (for July to December).
Do I need to do anything to be paid? Yes. You complete and return a statutory declaration for each six-month period before payment is made. If you haven't received one after approval, contact your regional Ministry office.
What happens if we travel overseas? Trips of 28 days or less make no difference. For 29 days or more, you are only paid for the time your child was in New Zealand.
Does it stop when my child turns 16? Not necessarily. It can continue until the end of the year your child turns 19, as long as you keep meeting the conditions and returning declarations.
Pulled
The allowance starts once you're approved.
No exemption, no allowance. Answer questions about your child and your approach, and we'll write your application in your voice within 48 hours. A parent on our team reads every draft before it goes to you.
Start your application →