Child Care Benefit claim information
Don't forget you can avoid the queues and claim Child Care Benefit online. It's completely secure and easy to do. You will need to register for online services first.
On this page
Ways to claim
If you want to claim Child Care Benefit as reduced fees for the current financial year and you are already receiving Family Tax Benefit, you do not need to complete a form. You can claim Child Care Benefit by claiming online or by phoning the Family Assistance Office on 13 6150.
If you do not currently receive Family Tax Benefit and you wish to claim Child Care Benefit, you can claim online or submit a claim form.
For claim forms you can:
- print out a Child Care Benefit claim form from this page
- phone the Family Assistance Office on 13 6150 and ask to have a Child Care Benefit claim form posted to you
- pick up a Child Care Benefit claim form at any Family Assistance Office at Centrelink or Medicare
Claiming as a lump sum
If you intend to claim Child Care Benefit as a lump sum, you have 24 months to lodge your claim for the income year you want to be paid for. Please note that the 24 months is measured in financial years, not calendar years.
Claiming for registered care
If you are using registered care, you need to lodge a claim for Child Care Benefit for registered care with the Family Assistance Office. Registered care is care that may be provided by nannies, grandparents, relatives, friends or other providers who are registered with the Family Assistance Office.
You need to provide all receipts for the periods you are claiming for, and you must lodge your claim within 12 months of the care being provided and paid for.
Claim forms and information
To make choosing a claim form that best suits your personal circumstances easy, there are a few steps to follow:
Step 1
Read the information booklet. This contains important information about your claim for Child Care Benefit, including your rights to privacy. When you sign your claim form, you are declaring that you understand this information.
Step 2
You can claim online or print and complete a claim form that best suits your own circumstances.
| If you | Complete this form |
|---|---|
| Are claiming for the 2011/12 financial year | Claim for Approved Child Care payments throughout the 2011/12 financial year |
| Are claiming for the 2010/11 financial year | Claim for Approved Child Care payments throughout the 2010/11 financial year |
| Are claiming for the 2009/10 financial year | Claim for Approved Child Care payments throughout the 2009/10 financial year |
| Are using registered care for your child | Claim for Child Care Benefit for registered care |
| Want to request Jobs, Education and Training Child Care Fee Assistance (JETCCFA) | Request for Jobs, Education and Training Child Care Fee Assistance |
If you are having trouble printing the forms and information, you can phone us on 13 6150 or visit your nearest Family Assistance Office at Centrelink and a Customer Service Adviser will be able to help you.
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Other forms
Step 3
You may need to complete some additional forms identified in your claim form so that your claim can be accurately assessed based on your (or your partner's) personal circumstances. You can give us this information online or print out the forms.
| If you | Complete this form |
|---|---|
| Need to provide information about your return to work, income estimates, or payment choices | Advice of return to work, income estimate and/or a payment choice |
| Want to change your payment account or address details | Change of payment account details |
If you are having trouble printing the forms and information, you can phone us on 13 6150 or visit your nearest Family Assistance Office at Centrelink and a Customer Service Adviser will be able to help you.
Returning your forms
Step 3
Return your completed forms and documentation to your nearest Family Assistance Office at Centrelink or Medicare.
Note: To authorise a person to act on your behalf when dealing with Centrelink, or who can receive your payments, refer to someone to deal with Centrelink for you.
More information
For more information or to ask for help:
- refer to the Child Care Benefit section
- Factors affecting payments and eligibility
- phone us on 13 6150
- find your nearest Family Assistance Office at Centrelink
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