Minimum family tax credit (previously called family tax credit)
What it is
Minimum family tax credit (previously called family tax credit) is a payment for families earning up to $21,860 a year before tax. It ensures that these families have a minimum income of $355 a week after tax.
How much you can get
How much you can get depends on your total family income before tax.
Important
Your total annual family income must be less than $21,860 before tax, or $18,460 after tax.
Who can get it
You can get a minimum family tax credit (previously called family tax credit) if you:
- work for a salary or wage at least:
- 30 hours each week as a couple, or
- 20 hours each week as a sole parent, and
- receive family tax credit (previously called family support).
As long as you meet these conditions, you are still eligible if your income includes:
- NZ Super, or
- a student allowance.
Example
Bryn and Neroli have four dependent children. Neroli works 10 hours a week in the community centre and Bryn works 20 hours a week as a bus driver and up to 15 hours a week as a private tour guide. Together, they work 30 hours a week for wages. Bryn also has some self-employed earnings. Bryn and Neroli may be entitled to minimum family tax credit (previously called family tax credit) payments if their total annual family income is less than $21,860 before tax.
Note
If you and/or your spouse or partner would normally work the required weekly hours but are injured and paid accident compensation instead, you can still get a minimum family tax credit (previously called family tax credit).
Who can't get it
You can't get a minimum family tax credit (previously called family tax credit) for the weeks when your family income includes:
- an income-tested benefit
- a parent's allowance, or
- a veteran's pension.
Example
Nikki receives an invalid's benefit. Even if her family income is less than $21,860 a year, she can't get a minimum family tax credit (previously called family tax credit).
Note
You also can't get a minimum family tax credit (previously called family tax credit) if you and/or your spouse or partner are:
- on leave or sick leave without pay
- on strike, or
- locked out.
Next steps
Check whether you can get any of the other Working for Families Tax Credits payments:
Then when you know what type of payment you might receive:
Date published: 26 Sep 2008
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