3.1.1.32 Sharing FTB in Blended Families - from July 2008

Introduction

This topic discusses the impact of the Child Support Scheme Reforms for blended families.

Sharing FTB - from 1 July 2008

From 1 July 2008, FTB cannot be shared between members of a blended family for the same child. This means where both members of the family would otherwise be eligible for FTB for one or more children at the same time, only one member would be eligible for payment. The Secretary would determine which member is eligible for the payment based on which member is the primary carer and whether there is an agreement nominating one member to receive the payment.

Circumstances in which FTB may be shared

FTB may however be shared between members of a couple in a blended family where they have care of at least 2 FTB children and:

• one child is from a previous relationship of one member of the couple, and
• the other is a child either from the other partner's previous relationship, or
• the child is a child of the couple's current relationship.

Example: Mary and Fred have 2 FTB children, John and Sarah. John is from Mary's previous relationship, and Sarah is a child of Mary and Fred's current relationship. Both Mary and Fred may be eligible for FTB for the children, and the Secretary may determine Mary and Fred's percentages of FTB for the children.

Act reference: FAAct section 26 Only one member of a couple eligible for FTB, section 28 Eligibility for FTB of members of a couple in a blended family, section 60 Sharing FTB between members of a couple in a blended family

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Last reviewed: 4 January 2010