"This is the week that people who are struggling with early childcare costs get some relief," Mr Luxon said after a visit to the Rising Stars Lynfield childcare centre.
From this month, low-to-middle-income families with young children can register for the new FamilyBoost payment, which was introduced by the government earlier this year.
Under the FamilyBoost scheme, eligible families earning up to $180,000 will be able to claim up to 25% of weekly childcare fees up to a maximum of $975 every three months.
Mr Luxon said the rebate would help families.
"That help and that assistance is really going to be meaningful to them as they deal with the cost-of-living crisis and the challenges of running young families, balancing work and life in any given week."
Ms Willis said applications were easy, although the government’s preference would have been that the rebates were automatic.
"We were advised by officials that that wasn’t possible with their current systems, so we had a choice of either delaying this for a number of years or delivering on it this year.
"My message to parents is, if you’ve got early childhood costs go on to the IRD site. I’ve spoken to parents who have. It’s not too hard, and it’s worth it.
"Up to $975 in payment, and I want every parent who is eligible for this payment to get what they are entitled to."
Ms Willis said the IRD reported more than 30,000 people had already registered and payments were expected to begin next week.
People can register via Inland Revenue’s online system, myIR. Claims for the FamilyBoost payment can be submitted from this month for ECE fees invoiced between July 1 and September 30 this year.
For more information and to check eligibility, visit ird.govt.nz/familyboost
