What Is Child Care Benefit?

What is Child Care Benefit?

Child Care Benefit is a payment from the Australian Government that helps you with the cost of your child care.

Who can get Child Care Benefit?

You can get Child Care Benefit if you are a parent, foster parent or grandparent with a child in your care who is attending child care services approved by, or registered with, the Government.
You can get Child Care Benefit if:

• you have a child in your care who meets the immunisation requirements (or have an exemption)
• you or your partner (if you have one) meet residency requirements (or have an exemption)
• your child attends approved or registered care and you have the liability to pay for the cost of your child care
• you meet the income test

Please note: If your employer contributes towards some or all of your child care costs through salary sacrificing or salary packaging, you will need to determine who has the liability for the costs. The issue of liability depends on who is obligated to pay for the child care fees.

How much Child Care Benefit can I get?

The amount you get depends on your circumstances:

• the type of care you use (approved or registered)
• your income
• the amount of care you use
• the reason you are using care and
• the number of children you have in care.

Child Care Benefit rates of payment.

How can I get Child Care Benefit?

You can claim Child Care Benefit by completing and lodging a claim form at any Family Assistance Office, located at Centrelink Customer Service Centres and Medicare Australia shopfronts or by using online services
If you receive Family Tax Benefit as a fortnightly payment, you can lodge a claim for Child Care Benefit by calling 13 6150.
For more information regarding how Child Care Benefit can be paid, see payment options.

(Source: Family Assistance Office)