New FamilyBoost Payment Launched to Support Low-to-Middle-Income Families with ECE Costs

"FamilyBoost is one of the measures we're implementing to support families with young children who are struggling to afford childcare," said Finance Minister Nicola Willis.

From today, low-to-middle-income families with young children can register for the newly introduced FamilyBoost payment, designed to assist with the rising costs of early childhood education (ECE). The initiative is part of the Government’s broader tax relief plan aimed at easing financial pressure on Kiwis facing the cost of living crisis.

"FamilyBoost is one of the measures we're implementing to support families with young children who are struggling to afford childcare," said Finance Minister Nicola Willis. "It will provide much-needed relief to over 100,000 Kiwi families, benefiting around 140,000 children."

Under the FamilyBoost scheme, families earning up to $180,000 annually will be eligible to claim up to 25% of their weekly ECE fees, with a cap of $975 every three months.

Inland Revenue has collaborated with ECE providers to ensure smooth implementation of the scheme, and Minister Willis encourages all eligible families to register via the myIR online system.

Claims for the FamilyBoost payment can be made starting 1 October for childcare fees incurred between 1 July and 30 September 2024.