The Guides to Social Policy Law is a collection of publications designed to assist decision makers administering social policy law. The information contained in this publication is intended only as a guide to relevant legislation/policy. The information is accurate as at the date listed at the bottom of the page, but may be subject to change. To discuss individual circumstances please contact Services Australia.

1.1.C.27 Claim (CCS)

Definition: claim for CCS

Only individuals (1.1.I.90) can make a claim for CCS in respect of a child. There are 2 kinds of claims individuals can make:

  • by fee reduction, or
  • in substitution for an individual who has died.

Definition: claim by fee reduction

An individual must make a claim to be eligible for CCS by fee reduction in respect of a child. In assessing an individual's claim for CCS, Centrelink must make 2 decisions:

  • whether the claim is effective (4.6.1.10), and
  • if the claim is effective, whether the individual meets the basic eligibility requirements, referred to as an 'initial determination of eligibility' (2.6.1).

An initial determination of eligibility in relation to a child establishes the individual as an active claimant - someone for whom entitlement (1.1.E.30) determinations can be made if the child attends care provided by an approved provider (1.1.A.90).

The claim process also collects information needed to determine initial entitlement details for the individual. This includes information about the individual's (and their partner's (1.1.P.30)) income and activity, which is needed to establish their initial CCS percentage and activity test result, respectively, and the child's education level, to establish the relevant hourly rate cap for sessions of care (1.1.S.40) provided to the child.

The CCS claim process is also used to collect information to determine if the individual is eligible to be paid ACCS (grandparent) (individuals will be required to make applications for other ACCS payments separately).

Act reference: FA(Admin)Act section 67BD Kinds of claims, section 67BE When a claim is effective

Policy reference: FA Guide 2.6 CCS eligibility, 4.6 CCS - individual's claims & payments, 4.6.1 General provisions for making a claim for CCS by fee reduction, 4.6.1.10 CCS - making an effective claim, 3.5.3 CCS - hourly rate caps

Definition: claim by substitution for an individual who has died

If the individual who was eligible in respect of a child has died, they are no longer eligible for CCS. FA(Admin)Act section 67BD provides that another individual may make a claim in respect of a child for CCS in substitution for an individual who has died.

Act reference: FAAct section 85DA Eligibility for CCS or ACCS in substitution for individual who has died

FA(Admin)Act section 67BD Kinds of claims, section 67BE When a claim is effective, section 67CF Determination of individual's entitlement to be paid CCS or ACCS in substitution for individual who has died

Policy reference: FA Guide 2.6 CCS eligibility, 2.6.4 CCS eligibility - death of an eligible child or recipient

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