1.2.4 Child Care Benefit (CCB) - Description

Objective of CCB

CCB aims to:

• assist families with the cost of child care,
• provide incentives for low and middle income families with dependent children to participate in the:
  • workforce, and
  • community, and
• support parents, foster parents or grandparents with a child in their care to balance work and family commitments.

CCB is available for:

• care provided by approved child care providers (1.1.A.90), and
• work-related care provided by registered carers (1.1.R.20).

CCB rates

Families using registered care CCB receive an hourly rate up to a 50 hour limit per child irrespective of income (1.1.I.20). The rate varies for school children and non-school children.

Families claiming approved care CCB are paid an hourly rate per child depending on:

• the family's current year income,
• the number of children in care,
• the hours of care used, and
• whether the child is a school child.

How CCB is paid

Parents accessing approved care can choose to receive their CCB either as:

• reduced fees they pay for child care by having their CCB (1.1.E.30) paid directly to their child care service, or
• paying full fees and claiming CCB as a lump sum after the end of the financial year from the FAO.

Parents accessing registered care CCB claim their CCB direct from the FAO on presentation of receipts within 12 months from when the care was provided.

Background information

CCB began on 1 July 2000. It amalgamates the former Childcare Assistance and CR into one benefit.

Act reference: FAAct section 42 When a person is conditionally eligible for CCB by fee reduction (approved care), section 43 When an individual is eligible for CCB by fee reduction (approved care), section 45 When an individual is eligible for CCB for a past period (registered care)

Policy reference: FA Guide 2.6 CCB Eligibility

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Last reviewed: 4 May 2009