Thousands of families are running out of time to claim government assistance for the 2017-18 financial year.
Department of Human Services General Manager Hank Jongen said families should act now so they don’t miss out on family and child care payments.
“Families have until 30 June 2019 to claim Family Tax Benefit and Child Care Benefit for the 2017-18 financial year as a lump sum,” Mr Jongen said.
“We’re reminding families who didn’t claim these payments during the 2017-18 financial year to make a lump sum claim so they don’t miss out.
“It’s easy to make a claim online for Family Tax Benefit or Child Care Benefit using your Centrelink online account through myGov.
“When you claim Child Care Benefit for care provided in 2017-18, we’ll automatically assess you for Child Care Rebate in the same claim.
“This is the final time families can claim Child Care Benefit, as these payments were replaced by Child Care Subsidy from 2 July last year.”
The 30 June 2019 deadline is also the last chance for families who received Family Tax Benefit in 2017-18 to confirm their income.
“Families either need to lodge their tax returns for 2017-18 with the Australian Taxation Office, or tell us they don’t need to lodge,” Mr Jongen said.
“If they miss the 30 June deadline, families could miss out on top-up payments and supplements.
“They may also have to pay back the Family Tax Benefit they received during the 2017-18 financial year, and their fortnightly FTB payments may stop.
“We’re reminding families not to leave it until the last minute. Take action now so you don’t miss out on payments.”
More information:
Audio
Spoken by Department of Human Services General Manager Hank Jongen.
Transcript: Families should act now to make sure they don’t miss out on family payments from last financial year. They only have until 30 June to claim Family Tax Benefit or Child Care Benefit for the 2017-18 financial year.
Transcript: If you received Family Tax Benefit in 2017-18, you need to confirm your income by 30 June by making sure you and your partner have lodged a tax return, or alternatively, told us that you don’t need to lodge a tax return.
Transcript: If you don’t do this by 30 June, you may miss out on payments. That includes your top up payments and supplements, but you could also have to pay back the Family Tax Benefit you received over the full year.
