The payment can be taken in the form of fortnightly installments or a lump sum payment post end of the financial year. Eligibility criteria revolve around family income, number of children, and shared care arrangements.
Payment Rates
Families can access a maximum payment of $6,705 for each child aged between 0 to 12 years annually. The maximum fortnightly payment for this group is around $222. For children aged between 13 to 19 years, the maximum annual payment is around $8,446, with a fortnightly payment of approximately $289. Payments are made with an end of the year supplement that is approximately $916 for each child. Parents that share care of the child are paid according to the percentage of care shared. The base payment for each child is around $71, paid fortnightly, but actual amounts vary based on income and family.
Eligibility Criteria
Claimants must be Australian citizens or permanent residents, or possess certain temporary visas; in addition, the child must meet the residency criteria or reside with the claimant. Families with a low to modest income receive the benefit, after income and other care-related tests are applied. Claims can be made up to three months prior to expected date of birth or date of care, and for prior years, claims must be made within one year from the end of the financial year.
Payment Options and Conditions
Families can opt for payments on a fortnightly basis or a one-off payment at the end of the financial year. Those with unpaid tax returns or debts of other documents might be required to only receive a one-off payment. Both the claimant and their spouse must submit tax returns, or inform tax authorities of no income within a year for the prior financial year in order to receive payments. Payment can only be made to one spouse and is made following the child irrespective of the caregiver.
As with the Subsidy for Child Care and other forms of support, these payments are supplements that make up the Family Tax Benefit program and are payable in relation to specific family circumstances. The payments are indexed by the Australian government in order to support families and make sure their cost of living is taken care of.