May2011_NEW CHILD CARE REBATE OPTIONS

From 4 July, around 700 000 Australian families will have more Child Care Rebate payment options, giving eligible parents and guardians greater flexibility in the way they manage their child care costs.

Human Services Portfolio General Manager, Hank Jongen, said the Child Care Rebate helps eligible parents and guardians with up to 50 per cent of their out-of-pocket expenses for approved child care.
“Currently families can choose to have their Rebate paid in a lump sum once a year or once a quarter.  Now families have the additional options of having their Child Care Rebate paid fortnightly and in many cases weekly,” said Mr Jongen.
“Customers can also choose to have their Rebate paid either directly to their child care service provider or into their nominated account.  Having the Rebate paid directly to their provider will reduce the amount of child care fees they need to pay upfront.
Affected families will receive a letter soon informing them of their new Child Care Rebate options and asking them to advise Centrelink how they want to receive their Rebate before 17 June 2011.
Customers can visit www.centrelink.gov.au or call 13 6150 and use the phone self service to register their preferred Child Care Rebate payment option before 17 June 2011.  The option they choose will apply for the 2011-2012 financial year.  
Customers who do not contact Centrelink will retain their current Child Care Rebate payment choice (either annually or quarterly).
Families currently receiving their Child Care Rebate quarterly can expect their third quarter payments between 20 April and 3 May.  If they haven’t received their Rebate by mid-May, they can call 13 6150.”