Claiming
On this page
When to claim
Submit your claim for Baby Bonus with the Family Assistance Office as soon as possible, so that you can be paid from the earliest possible date.
You can claim Baby Bonus up to three months before the birth of a child or an adopted child entering your care.
You need to claim Baby Bonus no later than 52 weeks after the birth of the child or in the case of adoption, no later than 52 weeks after the date the child came into your care as part of the adoption process.
Claiming online
Documentation
When lodging your claim we will ask you for information to assess your entitlement. This includes your and your partner's income details.
You will need to provide proof of birth or adoption of the child, and any other verification documents requested, within 14 days. The sooner we receive your documents, the sooner we can process your claim.
Documents and information you may need when lodging an Online claim for Parental Leave Pay or Family assistance payments
| Type | Information |
|---|---|
| Income details |
*Note that you do not need to provide your income details for Family Tax Benefit or Baby Bonus until after your child enters your care |
| Residence details |
|
| Work history information (Paid Parental Leave only) | Details of your work over the last 13 months, including hours worked and unpaid leave taken |
| Employer information (Paid Parental Leave only) |
|
| Details about your child (not needed for claims made before your child comes into your care) |
|
| Tax file number for you and your partner (if you have one) | Not needed for Maternity Immunisation Allowance only |
| Bank account details for payments | The bank, building society or credit union account must be in your name. A joint account is acceptable. It cannot be in a child’s name unless you are the signatory or trustee. |
| Child Care Benefit only |
|
Lodging your Newborn Child Form
- Fill in the Newborn Child Form received in hospital
- This form provides proof of your baby’s birth. Once this form is lodged with the Family Assistance Office, it will initiate the start of your payments.
- This form also registers your baby for Medicare.
[ return to top ]
Claim outcome
You will receive a letter from the Family Assistance Office telling you the outcome of your claim. If you are eligible, the letter will tell you how much you will get paid.
If you disagree with a decision we make
You always have the right to appeal any decision made by Centrelink.
More information
[ return to top ]