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Child care assistance
 

What is Child Care Benefit?

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

You can choose to receive Child Care Benefit as a lump sum payment or as reduced child care fees.

Am I eligible for Child Care Benefit?

To be eligible for Child Care Benefit for child care you (for example, as parent or guardian) must:

  • meet Australian residency requirements;
  • have the child care provided in approved or registered care in Australia;
  • ensure your child complies with immunisation requirements or has an exemption; and
  • be liable (or your partner must be liable) to pay for this child care.

How Much Child Care Benefit can I receive?

The amount of Child Care Benefit you may receive depends on:

  • your income
  • the type of care you use (approved or registered)
  • the amount of care you use
  • whether you pass the work, training, study test
  • the number of children you have in care.

What is the work, training, study test?

The work, training, study test looks at whether you (and your partner, if you have one) used child care for a work-related commitment. A work-related commitment includes paid work, looking for work, study or training or voluntary work to improve your work skills.

All eligible families can receive up to 24 hours of Child Care Benefit for approved care without meeting the work, training, study test. For up to 50 hours you need to be working, training or studying for at least 15 hours per week (or 30 hours per fortnight) or have an exemption from this test.

What if my child is absent from child care?

Child Care Benefit and Child Care Rebate can be paid in some situations if you are charged for child care when your child is absent.

You will get Child Care Benefit and Child Care Rebate for 42 absence days per child each financial year across all approved child care services except Occasional Care. These can be for any reason and will not require proof. Please talk to your child care provider regarding the absence policy detail.

You can also get Child Care Benefit and Child Care Rebate for additional absence days above this for specific reasons only. There is no limit on these days but you may be required to provide documentation to support the absence. Please talk to your child care provider regarding the additional absence policy detail and any supporting document requirements.

For Occasional Care, Child Care Benefit is paid for an absence if the child care has been booked and paid for at the Occasional Care service. There is no limit on the number of absences.

You can also access your child’s absence record along with your child care usage, Child Care Benefit and Child Care Rebate amounts paid on your View Child Care Attendance online statement available on the Family Assistance Office website, under Online Services/View child care details and payments, at www.familyassist.gov.au.

How can I get more information?

To see if you are eligible for Child Care Benefit and, if so, how much you can get visit the Family Assistance Office website or call 13 61 50.

Further information is also available in the Information for families using child care fact sheet kit. Look for:

  • Fact Sheet 2 —What is Child Care Benefit?
  • Fact Sheet 6—How much Child Care Benefit can I get?
  • Fact Sheet 7—What is the Child Care Benefit work, training, study test?
  • Fact Sheet 8—What are my responsibilities for receiving Child Care Benefit?
  • Fact Sheet 9—Absences from child care—Child Care Benefit

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