From July 13, the Child Care Subsidy system will be back, along with new transitions measures to support both families and centres.
While this may seem like a return to ‘normal’ there are a few important changes that may help make it more affordable for your family.
If you and your partner were both working (part-time or full-time) before COVID-19 and you’ve lost your job/s or had your hours reduced, you may be eligible for up to 100 hours of subsidised care per fortnight. To be eligible, you only need to be doing a minimum of four hours of activity per week.
Did you know if your family has experienced temporary financial hardship due to an event that happened in the last 6 months (i.e COVID-19) you may be eligible for additional financial hardship support from the Government?
Events that might have affected your family include: losing your job, being stood down, reduced hours, serious illness or loss of a family member. Applying for the Government’s ‘Additional Child Care Subsidy – Temporary Financial Hardship’ support can take a while so apply as soon as you can.
If your application for ACCS is approved, you may be eligible to receive up to 13 more weeks of ‘free’ or heavily subsidised care.
Before 13 July, or prior to starting childcare for the first time, you really need to ensure that your details are accurate in MyGov, particularly your:
This information needs to be accurate – if you have experienced reduced income as a result of COVID-19 this could mean you may be eligible for a higher rate of subsidy from July 13.
We are here to help
It’s been a challenging year and we know families are still trying to work their way through what it all means for their family.
Our Centre Directors and Family Support Team have been side by side with families throughout the past few months and are here to help you navigate smoothly through these changes.
Call our team on 1800 222 543 today.
While this may seem like a return to ‘normal’ there are a few important changes that may help make it more affordable for your family.
1. The Activity Test requirements have been eased – 4 hours is all it takes!
From July 13 to October the Government is easing the activity test for families whose employment has been impacted as a result of COVID-19.If you and your partner were both working (part-time or full-time) before COVID-19 and you’ve lost your job/s or had your hours reduced, you may be eligible for up to 100 hours of subsidised care per fortnight. To be eligible, you only need to be doing a minimum of four hours of activity per week.
2. Additional financial support is available
Did you know if your family has experienced temporary financial hardship due to an event that happened in the last 6 months (i.e COVID-19) you may be eligible for additional financial hardship support from the Government?Events that might have affected your family include: losing your job, being stood down, reduced hours, serious illness or loss of a family member. Applying for the Government’s ‘Additional Child Care Subsidy – Temporary Financial Hardship’ support can take a while so apply as soon as you can.
If your application for ACCS is approved, you may be eligible to receive up to 13 more weeks of ‘free’ or heavily subsidised care.
3. You really really need to make sure your details are up to date in MyGov
Before 13 July, or prior to starting childcare for the first time, you really need to ensure that your details are accurate in MyGov, particularly your:
- Activity hours (work, study etc)
- Combined family income amount.
This information needs to be accurate – if you have experienced reduced income as a result of COVID-19 this could mean you may be eligible for a higher rate of subsidy from July 13.
We are here to help
It’s been a challenging year and we know families are still trying to work their way through what it all means for their family.
Our Centre Directors and Family Support Team have been side by side with families throughout the past few months and are here to help you navigate smoothly through these changes.
Call our team on 1800 222 543 today.