FamilyBoost NZ 2026: Who Qualifies, How Much You Get and How to Claim

If you pay early childhood education (ECE) fees, FamilyBoost can give you part of that money back every quarter. It is paid by Inland Revenue (IRD), and plenty of eligible families still have not claimed it. This guide covers who qualifies, how much you can get and exactly how to claim, using IRD’s current rules.

In short: FamilyBoost refunds up to 40% of the ECE fees you pay, to a maximum of $1,560 a quarter (about $120 a week), for households earning up to about $229,000 a year.

What is FamilyBoost?

FamilyBoost is a childcare payment from IRD that partly refunds households for the cost of licensed early childhood education. You claim it after each quarter, based on the fees you paid and your household income for that quarter. It is paid per household, not per child.

Who can get FamilyBoost?

According to IRD, you may be able to get FamilyBoost if:

• you are the caregiver of a child or children aged 5 and under
• your household income is less than $57,286 a quarter
• you have costs from a licensed early childhood education provider
• you are a New Zealand tax resident.

If you have a partner, only one of you can register. Separated caregivers can each claim if they both have regular day-to-day care of the child, have their own ECE costs and provide separate invoices.

You can check whether a service is licensed on the Education Counts Find an Early Learning Service tool. You will also need your provider’s licence number when you claim.

How much FamilyBoost can you get?

The amount depends on two things: the fees you pay, and your household income for the quarter.

The yearly figures are approximate. IRD works FamilyBoost out quarter by quarter, so what you get can change if your income changes.

Example 1: income under $35,000 a quarter

A household earns $30,000 in the quarter and pays $2,600 in ECE fees (13 weeks at $200). 40% of $2,600 is $1,040. That is under the $1,560 cap, so the refund is $1,040.

Example 2: income over $35,000 a quarter

A household earns $45,000 in the quarter and pays $3,900 in ECE fees. 40% of $3,900 is $1,560. Because income is $10,000 over $35,000, the cap reduces by $700 (7 cents x $10,000) to $860. The refund is the lower of the two: $860.

These examples are illustrations only. For your own estimate, use IRD’s FamilyBoost calculator.

Which fees count?

You can claim for the childcare fees you are required to pay. IRD says these can include optional charges and services such as meals or nappies. They do not include donations, or anything already covered by a subsidy such as the Work and Income Childcare Subsidy.

That means FamilyBoost sits on top of other support. For 3 to 5 year olds, 20 Hours ECE hours are free of fees, the WINZ Childcare Subsidy may cover part of the rest, and FamilyBoost applies to what you still pay.

How to claim FamilyBoost in myIR

1. Register for FamilyBoost in myIR. You only need to do this once.
2. Wait for the quarter to end. The quarters are 1 July to 30 September, 1 October to 31 December, 1 January to 31 March and 1 April to 30 June. You cannot claim partway through a quarter.
3. Gather what you need: your child’s full name, date of birth and IRD number; your provider’s name, address and licence number; your invoices or quarterly statement (IRD asks you to use the quarterly statement if you have one, ideally as a PDF); your New Zealand bank account details; and your partner’s name, date of birth and IRD number if you have a partner.
4. In myIR, select Claim FamilyBoost, enter your details and upload your invoices or statement.
5. Review and submit. IRD says it pays most refunds within 15 working days.

Each quarter is a separate claim, and you have up to 4 years to submit, so you can still claim for earlier quarters you missed.

Common FamilyBoost mistakes

• Trying to claim before the quarter has ended.
• Uploading blurry photos instead of clear PDFs of your invoices or statement.
• Both partners trying to register. Only one can.
• Claiming fees that a subsidy has already covered.
• Not claiming at all because you assume your income is too high. The cut-off is about $229,000 a year.

FamilyBoost and childcare at Blooming Buds

If your child attends Blooming Buds in Glen Eden or New Lynn, ask our team for your fee invoices or statement when you are ready to claim. To see how FamilyBoost fits with other support, read our guide to 20 Hours ECE and childcare subsidies, or book a tour and talk it through with us.

Frequently asked questions

How much is FamilyBoost per week?

FamilyBoost refunds up to 40% of the ECE fees you pay, to a maximum of $1,560 a quarter, which is about $120 a week.

What is the income limit for FamilyBoost?

Your household income must be under $57,286 a quarter, roughly $229,000 a year. The full rate applies when income is under $35,000 a quarter, roughly $140,000 a year.

When can I claim FamilyBoost?

Any time after the quarter has ended. Each quarter is claimed separately in myIR, and you have up to 4 years to claim.

Can I get FamilyBoost and 20 Hours ECE?

Yes. 20 Hours ECE hours have no fees, and FamilyBoost applies to the fees you still pay. You cannot claim FamilyBoost for costs already covered by a subsidy.

How long does a FamilyBoost refund take?

Inland Revenue says it pays most FamilyBoost refunds within 15 working days, unless it needs more information or your tax return is being processed.

General information only, based on Inland Revenue’s published rules, checked October 2026. Amounts and rules can change, and your entitlement depends on your circumstances. Check with Inland Revenue before making decisions.