4.6.2 Approved Care CCB - Individual's Claim

Introduction

This section contains information on an applicant claiming CCB for approved care (1.1.A.90) and covers:

• how families can claim CCB,
• what information is required when claiming CCB,
• backdating of a new CCB claim (1.1.C.27) by an approved service (1.1.A.90),
• incorrect or incomplete CCB claims,
• lump sum CCB claims, and
• last day for lodging a CCB claim.

How families can claim CCB

Only the person who is responsible for the care of the child, or their partner, (1.1.P.30) can claim CCB. A claim must be made to the FAO.

An applicant can lodge an application by:

• telephone, if they are an FTB instalment recipient (see explanation 1), or
• mail (see explanation 2), or
• over the counter (see explanation 3), or
• online (see explanation 1).

Explanation 1: An applicant will receive a receipt number.

Explanation 2: An applicant will not receive a receipt.

Explanation 3: An applicant will receive an actual receipt.

If a CCB claim is approved, an assessment notice is sent to both the applicant and their nominated service/s (1.1.A.90). If the claim is rejected, the applicant will be advised, and a reason provided for the rejection.

Note: Where a claim is approved and the nominated service has commenced operating under CCMS, a letter will be sent to the applicant only - the applicant will be advised to take the letter to their service or services to complete a formal enrolment.

An applicant will receive written notification of their assessment by mail.

Information required when claiming CCB

An applicant using an approved service should provide the following information when they claim:

• personal details, such as address and DOB,
• partner (1.1.P.30) details,
• work, training or study details of the applicant and their partner if they have one,
• the Medicare number, immunisation details or exception of the child aged under 7 years (1.1.I.10),
• TFN of applicant and their partner if they have one, unless the applicant chooses to claim only zero rate of CCB,
• bank account details, unless the applicant chooses to claim only zero rate of CCB (but still required for the payment of CCR, if eligible),
• an income (1.1.I.20) estimate, unless they:
  • choose to claim their entitlement (1.1.E.30) as a lump sum at the end of the income year, or
  • wish to claim only zero rate of CCB,
  • the applicant or their partner (if they have one) receives an income support payment.
• child details for each child in care,
• approved care service/s (1.1.A.90) details for each child, and
• whether each child is at school.

Families who are eligible for CCB, but whose CCB entitlement is zero due to income or choice are still eligible for CCR.

An applicant receiving an income support payment (1.1.I.50) is automatically eligible for the maximum rate of CCB and does not need to provide an income estimate.

Policy reference: FA Guide 4.6.1 General Provisions for Individual's Claims & Payments, 4.6.4 More Choice for Families - CCB, 4.6.4.20 No CCB as Reduced Fees - Any CCB Entitlement at End of Year, 4.6.4.30 Rounding Down CCB%

Backdating of new claims by a service

Claims for CCB can be backdated up to 28 calendar days from the date the claim was lodged (the start date) with the FAO.

Services are to apply a family's CCB entitlement from the later date of either:

• the date the child commenced child care, or
• the Monday in the week that the 28th calendar day prior to the start date, as per the assessment notice, falls.

Act reference: FA(Admin)Act section 50L When determinations are in force

Incorrect or incomplete claims

There is a period in which CCB may be paid if a claim is incorrect or incomplete. However, follow-up action is required from the recipient to maintain eligibility for CCB. The following table shows the effect on a recipient's CCB eligibility or rate when they do not supply information after being advised that their claim is incorrect or incomplete.

Lump sum claims

Individuals wishing to make a lump sum claim in the future should notify an intent to claim with the FAO. They will be issued with a letter with their and their children's CRNs to take to their service (or services) to complete a formal enrolment. Attendance information cannot be sent from DEEWR to FAO until a formal enrolment is completed.

Lump sum claims for approved care must be lodged with the FAO within 2 years following the end of the financial year in which the child care was provided.

Example: Mary and Peter's 2 children received child care at an approved child care centre between 1 July 2006 and 30 June 2007. Mary and Peter decide to claim their CCB as a lump sum. They must lodge a claim by 30 June 2009.

Last day for lodging a claim

A lump sum claim is effective if it is lodged before or on the last day of the financial year, which is 30 June. Where 30 June falls on a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday, an effective claim can be lodged on the first working day after 30 June.

Example: 30 June 2007 was a Saturday. A claim lodged on Monday 2 July 2007 would have been treated as an effective claim for the 2004-05 financial year.

Act reference: FAAct section 41 Overview of Division, section 52 Limit on eligibility for child care benefit relating to hours, section 53 Weekly limit of hours

FA(Admin)Act section 49J(2) Claim period must fall within one income year etc, section 55C CCB% applicable to individual when TFN information not given, section 58 Variation where failure to provide TFN

Acts Interpretation Act 1901, refer to section 36(2) Reckoning of Time

Policy reference: FA Guide 2.6.3 CCB Eligibility Requirements Relating to Hours

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Last reviewed: 16 July 2009