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Question & Answer

We are discussing Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
With Deanne O'Keefe and Anne Clarke

Question:
What assistance is available for the cost of child care?

Answer:
Anne - Child Care Benefit is assistance to help with the costs of child care. Families are eligible to receive Child Care Benefit for children who meet the residency and immunisation requirements and attend approved or registered care for which a fee is charged. Approved child care services include most long day care, family day care, outside school hours care, vacation care, some occasional care services and some in-home care. Registered care is care provided for work-related purposes by carers who are registered with the Family Assistance Office.

Child Care Benefit for families using approved child care is a means-tested payment based on family income. Families on the lowest incomes receive the highest rates of assistance (maximum rate). The Child Care Benefit rate for approved care is gradually reduced as assessed family income increases, to the point where families receive the minimum rate. Families using registered care are eligible for the minimum rate only.

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