Tuesday 25 June 2013

The child care rebate in Australia

The child care rebate in Australia

 

The Australian government provides two forms of financial assistance to families to help cover the costs of approved child care ... the 'Child Care Benefit' and the 'Child Care Rebate'.  While eligibility requirements for the Child Care Benefit are based upon your family income, the Child Care Rebate is not income tested and is available to most people who have children in child care or being looked after by a registered carer. 

The Child Care Rebate covers 50% of out-of-pocket expenses for child care up to a maximum amount per child per year (the limit for the financial year 2011-12 is $7,500).  

In order to be eligible for the Child Care Rebate, you will need to meet the eligibility criteria of the Child Care Benefit, including using an approved or registered child care.  Approved child care can include long day care, outside school-hours care, vacation care, in home care and occasional care.  It is important the child care you select is approved otherwise you will not receive the Child Care Rebate and you will have to meet the full cost of care. 

The child care service provider you are considering should be able to tell you whether they are approved or not, or you can always check online via mychild.gov.au.  

Make sure you check out Sally Tyrie's Q&A on the child care rebate in Australia for further details on eligibility and how to claim.

Money Smart not Money Short

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