FamilyBoost NZ is a government childcare rebate designed to help families manage the rising cost of early childhood education. It allows eligible households to claim back a portion of their childcare fees, helping make early learning more affordable.
Childcare costs can quickly become one of the biggest expenses for families with young children. To help ease that pressure, the New Zealand Government introduced FamilyBoost, a childcare rebate that refunds part of what families spend on early childhood education.
Combined with existing support like the Family Tax Credit, these payments can significantly reduce the cost of raising young children.
If you’re unsure whether your household qualifies, here’s a clear guide to how FamilyBoost works in 2026 and how to apply.
What is FamilyBoost NZ?
FamilyBoost is a government childcare rebate that helps families recover some of the money spent on early childhood education.
Eligible households can receive up to 40 percent of their childcare costs back, capped at $1,560 every three months. That works out to a maximum of $6,240 per year.
Rather than paying childcare providers directly, the scheme works as a refund system. Families pay their childcare fees first, then submit invoices to Inland Revenue to claim part of the cost back.
The goal is to make early childhood education more affordable for families across New Zealand.
Who can receive the FamilyBoost childcare rebate?
You may be eligible for FamilyBoost if:
- You have a child aged five or younger
- Your child attends a licensed early childhood education provider
- Your household income falls within the eligibility range
- You are paying childcare fees directly
- You are a New Zealand tax resident
FamilyBoost is calculated per household, not per child.
If caregivers live separately, both may be able to claim support if they each pay childcare costs and meet the eligibility criteria.
Income limits for FamilyBoost
Eligibility is based on household income during the quarter you are claiming.
Households earning up to roughly $140,000 per year equivalent can receive the maximum rebate. The payment then gradually reduces before phasing out for households earning the equivalent of around $229,100 annually.
Because eligibility is assessed quarterly, families may qualify in some periods even if their income changes during the year.
How much can families receive?
The maximum FamilyBoost payment is:
Up to $1,560 per quarter
The exact amount depends on:
- how much you pay in childcare fees
- your household income
- the amount of eligible childcare costs
For example, if a family spends $300 per week on childcare, a 40 percent rebate could return up to $120 per week, capped by the quarterly maximum.
Payments are issued every three months, rather than weekly.
When can you claim FamilyBoost?
FamilyBoost claims are submitted four times per year.
Claim periods cover:
- 1 July – 30 September
- 1 October – 31 December
- 1 January – 31 March
- 1 April – 30 June
Claims can be submitted starting on the first day of the following month.
For example, childcare costs from July to September can be claimed beginning 1 October.
How to apply for FamilyBoost NZ
Applications are submitted through Inland Revenue’s myIR system.
Step 1: Set up a myIR account
Visit the Inland Revenue website and log into your myIR account.
If you don’t already have one, you’ll need to register using your IRD number and verify your identity.
Step 2: Register for FamilyBoost
Inside myIR, locate the FamilyBoost section and complete the registration form.
You’ll be asked to provide:
- household income information
- details about your childcare provider
- your child’s details
You only need to register once.
Step 3: Keep childcare invoices
Save invoices or statements from your early childhood education provider.
These documents must show:
- the caregiver’s name matching your myIR account
- the childcare provider
- the fees paid during the claim period
Invoices are usually uploaded as PDF or image files when submitting your claim.
Step 4: Submit your quarterly claim
After the claim period ends:
- Log into myIR
- Start a FamilyBoost claim
- Upload your childcare statement
- Confirm your details and submit
Step 5: Receive your payment
If your claim is approved, Inland Revenue will deposit the payment directly into your nominated bank account.
Payments are made once per quarter.
What is the Family Tax Credit?
The Family Tax Credit is another form of financial support available to many New Zealand families.
It is part of the Working for Families programme and provides regular payments to help cover the cost of raising children.
The amount you receive depends on factors such as:
- your household income
- the number of children in your care
- the ages of those children
Many families receive these payments automatically through Inland Revenue.
Can families receive both FamilyBoost and the Family Tax Credit?
Yes.
FamilyBoost and the Family Tax Credit are separate support programmes, and many households qualify for both.
FamilyBoost helps with early childhood education costs, while the Family Tax Credit provides general financial support for raising children.
Why this support matters for families
Childcare costs in New Zealand can be significant, particularly for families with children attending daycare several days per week.
Schemes like FamilyBoost are designed to help reduce those costs and make early childhood education more accessible.
For families with preschool-aged children, the combined support from FamilyBoost and the Family Tax Credit can make a noticeable difference to household budgets.
Many parents only discover the rebate after their child has already started daycare, so it’s worth checking your eligibility if you are currently paying childcare fees.
For full details about eligibility and how the scheme works, families can visit the official FamilyBoost page on the Inland Revenue website. There is also a helpful video guide explaining how to register and submit a claim through myIR. If you’re unsure about any part of the process, your early childhood education provider or Inland Revenue can assist with questions about applying.
More helpful resources for parents
If you’re navigating life with young children, you might also find these guides useful:
- Things to Do With a Baby in Christchurch: Best Activities for 3 to 12 Months
- weekly planner for under-5s in Christchurch
- School Holiday Activities in Christchurch: An Evergreen Guide for School-Aged Kids
These resources can help families balance childcare, activities and everyday life with young kids.
Frequently asked questions
Is FamilyBoost paid weekly?
No. FamilyBoost is paid quarterly, after you submit a claim for childcare fees during the claim period.
Does FamilyBoost cover all childcare costs?
No. The rebate covers up to 40 percent of eligible childcare fees, capped at $1,560 per quarter.
Do I need to apply every quarter?
Yes. While you only register once, you must submit a claim with invoices each quarter to receive payments.
Does FamilyBoost apply to all childcare providers?
No. The childcare provider must be a licensed early childhood education service in New Zealand.
