FamilyBoost & Childcare Subsidy Calculator
How much will daycare actually cost you? NZ parents stack three forms of government support:
- 20 Hours ECE — up to 20 free hours/week for 3-5 year olds in licensed centres (paid to the centre, reduces your fee).
- Childcare Subsidy — means-tested hourly subsidy paid to your centre (single income to ~$78k, couples to ~$103k).
- FamilyBoost (NACT govt, 2024-) — quarterly IRD rebate of 25% of fees, capped at $75/week per family, phases out from household income $140k to $180k.
Children
Estimated weekly support
Indicative only. Rates current to 2026; verify with IRD (FamilyBoost), MSD (Childcare Subsidy), and the Ministry of Education (20 Hours ECE). Not financial advice.
How the three supports interact
These supports stack. A typical Auckland family with both parents working and two children in centre-based care (one age 2, one age 4) at a centre charging $280/week per child can claim all three: the 4-year-old's first 20 hours are free, the Childcare Subsidy reduces the chargeable rate, and FamilyBoost rebates 25% of what you actually pay (up to $75/wk).
What the calculator does NOT include
- Optional charges — centres can charge for nappies, food, excursions. These don't qualify for 20 Hours but DO count toward FamilyBoost.
- Working for Families tax credits — separate from childcare support, but stacks.
- Best Start payment — $73/wk for under-1s, partially income-tested for years 2-3.
- Per-centre variation — not all centres offer 20 Hours ECE on identical terms. Always confirm with the centre.
Sources
- IRD FamilyBoost: ird.govt.nz/familyboost
- MSD Childcare Subsidy: workandincome.govt.nz
- 20 Hours ECE: parents.education.govt.nz
This calculator is indicative only. Rates and thresholds change each Budget cycle. Confirm with the agencies above before relying on these numbers.