Child Benefit and Working for Families Tax Credits

When you emigrate to New Zealand, you will no longer be eligible for the UK Child Benefit.

You will need to cancel your child benefit before you leave the UK. For more information, see the UK HMRC Child Benefit page.

Is there a child benefit system in New Zealand?

New Zealand does not operate a universal child benefit payment, but low to middle income families may qualify for tax credits under the Working for Families package, administered by the Inland Revenue Department (IRD).

Your entitlement is based on the number of children in your family and how old they are, and your family income. Families with several children and an income of up to $100,000 may be eligible.

Though referred to as tax credits, payments are either made weekly or fortnightly into your bank account, or as a “catch-up” payment at the end of the tax year. It is important to let the IRD know of any changes to your circumstances through the year, as this can change the payments, and you will be required to repay any overpayments.

For more information, see the IRD website. You can even work out an estimate of your Working for Families entitlement with their online calculator if you know how much you will be earning in New Zealand.

It is important for migrant families to note that you cannot claim Working for Families tax credits while you are claiming the four year migrant tax exemption on foreign income – you can however choose to waive the exemption if this is in your best interests. There is information on this (and an example) on the IRD website.

Don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about your tax position as a UK migrant to New Zealand or a Kiwi returning from the UK.