KEY POINTS:
About 10,000 caregivers will receive an increase in their weekly payments from April 1 this year.
The increase is for all caregivers who receive an Unsupported Child's Benefit, Orphan's Benefit or Foster Care Allowance.
The current rate for the Unsupported Child's Benefit and the Orphan's Benefit is from $97.76 a week to $133.05 a week, depending on age. After the change it will be from $117.76 a week to $153.05 a week.
The current rate for the Foster Care Allowance is from $114.05 a week to $151.94 a week, depending on age. After the change it will be from $124.054 a week to $161.94 a week.
Associate Social Development Minister Ruth Dyson said the increase would help about 7460 caregivers and 3000 foster parents who were caring for about 15,000 children.
"The increase recognises the valuable contribution caregivers make to New Zealand's children, particularly those children who are unable to be cared for by their parents," she said.
"Frequently, grandparents or other extended family members have to step in and provide care."
- NZPA
