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Whether you can get FamilyBoost depends on the children you care for, your household income, and your childcare costs.

Eligibility

You may be able to get FamilyBoost if:

  • you are the caregiver of a child or children aged 5 and under
  • you have household income of less than $57,286 a quarter (or less than $45,000 for quarters before 1 July 2025)
  • you have costs from a licensed early childhood education (ECE) provider
  • you are a tax resident of New Zealand.

If you have a partner, only 1 of you can register for FamilyBoost.

Check if your ECE provider is licensed.

Early Learning Services | Education Counts

Separated caregivers or caregivers living in separate households

Separated caregivers or caregivers living in separate households can claim FamilyBoost if they:

  • have regular day-to-day care of the child or children
  • have costs for ECE
  • provide separate invoices.

Next steps

Find out how to register for and claim FamilyBoost in myIR.

Register for FamilyBoost

Claim your FamilyBoost

Last updated: 02 Mar 2026
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