1.1.Q.10 Qualifying period (FTB)

Definition

For the purposes of FTB, the maximum qualifying period is 14 weeks from the date that the recipient loses care (1.1.C.90) of the child. The actual period that applies to a recipient depends on the circumstances of the case.

The qualifying period is the period of time that begins on the date the child ceases to be in the person's care, during which FTB continues to be paid to that person, and ends at the earliest of the following:

• the date the person regains care of the child, or
• the end of the 14 week period, or
• the date the child comes into the care of the other parent (1.1.P.10), if there is no family law order or registered parenting plan (1.1.P.21) in place in relation to the child, or
• the date a change of care is considered to have taken place when the person fails to take reasonable steps to regain care of the child.

Special circumstances where the qualifying period does not apply

If a child ceases to be in a person's care without their consent, the child may immediately cease to be an FTB child or regular care child of the person in special circumstances. The change would result in the person's eligibility for FTB or CCB for the child ceasing. It would also enable the person who has actual care of the child to become eligible for FA payments for the child if they meet normal eligibility criteria.

Act reference: FAAct section 23(5)-'qualifying period'

Policy reference: FA Guide 2.1.1.70 Disputed Care Arrangements

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Last reviewed: 20 March 2013