training incentive allowance (TIA)
if you're bringing up a child on your own and you want to study, you might be eligible for the Training Incentive Allowance (TIA).
what is the training incentive allowance?
The Training Incentive Allowance is a top-up to make things easier for you while you’re getting a qualification.
If you're a sole parent receiving the Young Parent Payment, you might be eligible for TIA.
You can use it while you study, to help pay for things like:
- Childcare
- Books and equipment
- Transport
And you don’t have to pay it back! You’ll still get your benefit and other entitlements - it just gives you extra money for help pay for costs while you study.
how does TIA work?
TIA will be available for all courses at levels 1-7 (including degree-level study) of the New Zealand Qualifications Framework from 1 July 2021 to 1 January 2025. (Until 30 June 2021, it only applies for study at levels 1-3.)
From 1 July 2021, if you're enrolled to study for a qualification at Levels 1 to 7, you might be able to get TIA. The course you want to study must be a recognised course that goes for at least 12 weeks and leads to a qualification, eg. a certificate, a diploma or a bachelor's degree.
When you apply for TIA, you will need to provide details of the course you want to study and the education institution you'll be studying at. You can apply for TIA up to 28 days before your course starts.
Download and complete the TIA application form with your youth coach
reapply if your course goes for more than a year
If the course you're studying is a multi-year course, you'll need to reapply for TIA each year. As part of that application, we'll need to know if you've passed your course from the previous year.
If you haven't passed, but you have a good reason, let us know.
If you're no longer eligible for TIA, you might still be eligible for student loan, Youth Guarantee, Fees Free or the Targeted Training and Apprenticeship Fund.