Child Care Benefit

The Commonwealth Government provides Child Care Benefit to offset the cost of childcare for families using approved or registered care. Eligible families can receive some form of child care benefit. Approved care and registered care attract different rates of Child Care Benefit.

"Registered care” is care for work related purposes that is provided by grandparents, relatives, friends or nannies who are registered as carers with the Family Assistance Office. Registered care may also be provided by individuals in kindergartens, some outside school hours care services and some occasional care services. Carers or teachers in these services must be registered with the Family Assistance Office.

"Approved child care” is care provided by a service provider that participates satisfactorily in the Australian Government funded quality assurance system and has been approved to receive Child Care Benefit payments on behalf of eligible families. Most long day care, family day care, before and after school care, vacation care, some occasional care and some in home care services are approved child care providers.

The Child Care Access Hotline, 1800 670 305 provides information about approved child care services and vacancies in local areas.

The Commonwealth Family Assistance Office makes the payment and can supply you with the relevant information. You should also contact the Commonwealth Family Assistance Office if you wish to become a registered or approved carer.

To contact the Family Assistance Office call: 13 61 50 or see Family Assistance (http://www.familyassist.gov.au)