What is the Child Care Rebate (CCR)?
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From July 2011, you may choose to receive the rebate on a weekly or fortnightly basis, paid either to your care provider as a fee reduction or directly to your bank account.
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Whether you receive a weekly or fortnightly CCR payment depends on when your provider submits your attendance data.
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You can still choose to receive the rebate payments quarterly or annually as a lump sum directly to your bank account.
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It pays up to 50% of your out of pocket expenses for the care up to an annual cap.
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It is NOT income tested, so you may be eligible to receive it even if you don't get the benefit from your fees.
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Your out of pocket care costs are calculated after deducting any CCB from your fees.
What is the Child Care Benefit (CCB)?
This benefit is income tested and is usually paid directly to the providers to reduce the fees that eligible families pay.
To receive the CCR you must be eligible for Child Care Benefit (assessed at a rate of zero or more). This means:
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You must be using approved care provider, which includes care like Long Day, Family Day, Outside Schools Hours, Occasional and In Home.
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You or your partner must be an Australian citizen, a permanent resident living in Australia or be exempt from the Government's residency requirements.
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Children under seven years of age must meet the Government's immunisation requirements or have an exemption.
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You must be the person responsible for your care costs. If your employer contributes through salary sacrificing or packaging, you should discuss with your employer who is responsible for the costs.
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To also receive the CCR you and your partner (if applicable) must have work, training or study related commitments at some time during the week or have an exemption.
How to claim
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You must apply for the CCB to receive the CCR.
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You must visit the Family Assistance Office to apply for the Child Care Benefit.
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Your eligibility for the rebate will be automatically assessed by the Family Assistance Office. Payments will be made once the Family Assistance Office have received child care attendance details from your child care service/s.
It is important to remember that the Child Care Rebate is not income tested. You may be eligible to receive this rebate even though your family income is too high to receive the Child Care Benefit. If you would like more information on tax concessions, rebates or funding you may contact Government Grants Australia for assistance.
