Australian Government - MyChild.gov.auIn this section
Registered child care
What is registered child care?
Registered child care is child care provided by grandparents or other relatives, friends or nannies who are registered as child carers with the Family Assistance Office.
Registered child care may also be provided by individuals in:
- preschools
- kindergartens
- outside school hours care services
- some occasional care centres.
Carers or teachers in these services must be registered with the Family Assistance Office. All registered carers must comply with any relevant state or territory child care laws.
How does a carer become a registered carer for Child Care Benefit purposes?
To become a registered child carer you need to:
- apply to the Family Assistance Office
- meet the minimum age requirement or have a qualification that otherwise determines eligibility for approval as a registered child carer. This includes evidence of a recognised qualification as follows:
- nanny
- child care, or
- home-based help
- have a Tax File Number
- meet and maintain any relevant state or territory licensing requirements and restrictions on becoming a registered child carer
- meet any other requirements required by the Minister of the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations.
Are registered child care services approved child care?
No. Registered child carers are not considered approved child care services by the Australian Government because they choose not to, or do not, meet the minimum operating hours or participate in the Australian Government’s quality assurance systems.
Can I get Child Care Benefit if I use registered care?
Families who satisfy eligibility requirements for Child Care Benefit may receive payments if they use registered child care.
To be eligible for Child Care Benefit for registered child care you need to meet these requirements:
- Eligibility
You or your partner must be an Australian citizen, a permanent resident living in Australia or be exempt from the Government’s residency requirements.
- Immunisation
Children under the age of seven must meet the Government’s immunisation requirements or have an exemption.
- Responsibility for child care payments
You must have paid for your child care costs.
- Work, training, study test
You and your partner must pass the Child Care Benefit work, training, study test or have an exemption. For registered child care you only have to participate in work related commitments at some time during a week or have an exemption. No minimum number of hours is required.
The work, training, study test looks at whether you (and your partner, if you have one) need child care for a work-related commitment. A work-related commitment includes one ore more of these activities - paid work, self employment, setting up a business looking for work, study or training or voluntary work to improve your work skills.
If you meet these requirements then you may be eligible for the registered care rate for a maximum of 50 hours of Child Care Benefit per child per week. Your income does not affect the amount of Child Care Benefit you get for registered care.
How do I receive Child Care Benefit payments for registered care?
To get your Child Care Benefit, take your child care receipts (given to you
by your registered carer) to the Family Assistance Office and complete the Claim
for Child Care Benefit for registered care form (FA018).
The Government will
pay your Child Care Benefit into your bank account after you submit a claim. You
must submit your claim within 12 months of receiving the child care service.
Your carer cannot receive Child Care Benefit on your behalf.
Can I get the Child Care Rebate if I use registered care?
No. You must use approved child care and not registered child care to meet the Child Care Rebate eligibility requirements.
How can I get more information?
To find out more about registered child care please see the Information for families using child care fact sheet kit and look for:
- Fact Sheet 5—What is registered child care?
For information about Child Care Benefit and the Child Care Rebate visit the Family Assistance Office website or call 13 61 50.
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