Early Learning Payment

Who can get it

You may be able to get the Early Learning Payment if:

• you're enrolled in a Family Start or Early Start programme
• your child is aged 18 months to 3 years.

This can be paid for your child to attend an approved early childhood service for up to 20 hours a week.

Families getting Childcare Subsidy or Guaranteed Childcare Assistance Payment (GCAP) can't get Early Learning Payment for the same hours.

Leaving Family Start or Early Start

From 1 October 2017, if your family leaves Family Start or Early Start, you may be able to continue getting the payments.

Your child must be:

• the child that the Early Learning Payment was being paid for when your family left Family Start or Early Start
• aged between 18 months to 3 years
• a dependent child and
• attending an approved early childhood service.

How to apply

You need to call us on 0800 559 009

We'll talk with you to understand your situation and how we can help. We'll let you know what information you need to provide and how to get this to us.

You'll need to fill out the 'Early Learning Payment application form'. We'll discuss the best way to get the completed form to us.

Early Learning Payment application form (PDF 1)