Quick Summary
FamilyBoost is a payment from the IRD to help New Zealand households with early childhood education (ECE) costs. Eligible families can claim a percentage of their weekly childcare fees each quarter, based on household income and the quarter the fees apply to.
Details
What is FamilyBoost?
FamilyBoost is a government initiative designed to help New Zealand families offset the costs associated with early childhood education (ECE). If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can claim a portion of your weekly childcare expenses each quarter (every three months).
Who is Eligible for FamilyBoost?
To be eligible for FamilyBoost, you must:
- Be the caregiver of children aged 5 years or under.
- Meet the specified household income requirements.
- Have incurred fees from a qualifying ECE provider.
- Be a tax resident of New Zealand.
How Much Can You Claim?
The amount you can claim depends on your household income and the specific quarter. Different thresholds and percentages apply for quarters ending before and after 1 July 2025. For example, for quarters ending after 1 July 2025, if your household income is less than $35,000, you can claim 40% of your ECE fees up to a maximum of $1,560 per quarter.
How to Claim FamilyBoost:
- Save Documentation: Keep all invoices or quarterly statements from your ECE provider(s).
- Register in myIR: You'll need a myIR login, IRD number for each child, your bank details, and your partner's information if applicable.
- Claim Online: Once registered, you can make your claim through myIR. Claims can be made up to 4 years after the quarter ends.