Finance Minister Nicola Willis announced that almost 30,000 households have received their first payments under the FamilyBoost childcare payment scheme.
The payments, totaling $11.5 million, were made to 29,805 households within three weeks of claims being open. The FamilyBoost payment scheme provides eligible parents and caregivers with 25% of their early childhood education costs, up to $150 a fortnight. Approximately 100,000 households per year are estimated to be eligible for the scheme.
Finance Minister Nicola Willis stated that the payments aim to alleviate pressure on household finances due to rising housing, food, and childcare costs. With interest rates decreasing, the government is seeking to provide relief to families through this scheme. To receive the FamilyBoost payment, eligible individuals must register in myIR and submit their early childhood invoices to Inland Revenue.
The government encourages all eligible parents and caregivers to register and make a claim for the available funds. For more information on how to register and claim, visit ird.govt.nz/FamilyBoost.