2.1.1.15 Verification of Child's Name & Date of Birth

Introduction

To make an effective claim for FTB by instalment or baby bonus, the individual must provide proof of birth documents.

DOB of a newborn child

A claim for a newborn child must be accompanied by proof of the child's DOB.

Verification may be obtained from the child's birth certificate, a claim form signed by a doctor or midwife and sealed with the hospital seal, passport or other suitable documentation that verifies the child's DOB.

Example: A letter from the doctor or midwife who attended the birth, including home births, confirming their details and qualifications, the details of the parent and child and the DOB and place of birth.

Name & DOB of an older child

Verification of an older child's name and DOB is required. The following records are considered acceptable for this purpose:

• a birth certificate or certified extract,
• a passport or naturalisation certificate,
• a document of identity issued by DIAC, or
• any other suitable documentation that verifies the child's name and DOB.

Example: A statement from a MSO.

Certifying copies of DOB documents by Centrelink staff

When individuals present DOB documents to Centrelink, staff must check that they are original documents from the Centrelink approved list, unaltered, and the information and signature on each document offered is consistent with the claim form and any other documents provided.

Original documents should be photocopied and returned to the applicant. Centrelink staff dealing with the claim must:

• ensure that the copy is legible, and
• certify the copy by:
  • noting on the copy that the original has been sighted and returned, and
  • signing the copy, and
  • printing their name or logon ID, and
  • printing the date and Centrelink Customer Service Centre location/name.

Copies of DOB not certified by Centrelink staff

Where the individual is unable to attend a Customer Service Centre they may arrange for the copies of their DOB documents to be certified by an Australian, State or Local Government official.

Copies of DOB documents certified by a Justice of the Peace for applicants may be accepted if the individual:

• resides in rural or remote areas,
• lodges their documents by mail, or
• has difficulty in attending the Customer Service Centre due to a medical condition such as decreased mobility, hospitalisation or institutional care.

For these cases:

• the individual must be contacted and advised that the original documents need to be provided to Centrelink within a reasonable time period, normally 4 weeks, and
• Centrelink staff should be satisfied that the documents provided are true copies.

If FTB has been paid previously for a child, the previous guardian's record is sufficient proof of name and birth, as the previous guardian would already have proven these personal details. Where an individual later advises of a change to the child's name, accompanying proof may be required, as outlined in SS Guide 2.2.2.

DOB of unaccompanied humanitarian minors (UHMs) & other children born overseas where DOB is unknown

In some situations refugees and other children born overseas cannot verify their DOB.

For FTB purposes, with effect from 5 April 2004, the unaccompanied humanitarian minors' DOB is the date detailed on documents issued by DIAC. DIAC uses an assumed DOB of 31/12/yyyy handwritten on the DIAC document. The same DOB must also be recorded for FTB purposes.

The DOB of unaccompanied humanitarian minors who have previously had their DOB recorded as 01/01/yyyy should retain this birth date.

DOB of children (other than unaccompanied humanitarian minors) where DOB is unknown

For FTB purposes, the assumed DOB of these children (other than unaccompanied humanitarian minors) whether born in Australia or overseas whose DOB is unknown, should continue to be recorded as 01/01/yyyy.

Policy reference: FA Guide 1.1.E.10 Effective claim (FTB), 4.2.1 Summary of the FTB Claim Process, 4.5.1 Claims for Baby Bonus

SS Guide 2.2.1.40 Persons Experiencing Difficulty with Identity Verification, 2.2.2 Verifying Personal Details, 2.2.10.10 Verification for PP, 2.2.10.20 Verification for DOP

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Last reviewed: 13 May 2013