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.

2.8.2.20 ACCS (grandparent) - relationship with FTB

Summary

FA (1.1.F.02) law does not require a grandparent to be eligible for, or in receipt of FTB, in order to receive ACCS (grandparent). The reference in the FA law to FTB child does not mean that the individual needs to be eligible for or in receipt of FTB in relation to the child. The practical meaning is that the grandparent cares for the grandchild 65% or more of the time during the CCS fortnight (1.1.C.10).

In some circumstances, a grandparent may have a shared care arrangement recognised for FTB purposes. FTB percentage and ACCS (grandparent) percentage of care do not need to align at all times. Once a FTB shared care determination has been made for a child, the sharing of FTB is continuous, regardless of which person actually has the physical care of the child at any given point in time. ACCS (grandparent) eligibility can change fortnightly based on circumstances. That is, whether or not the grandparent was eligible for ACCS (grandparent) in 1 fortnight has no direct impact on whether they are eligible in another fortnight.

Policy reference: FA Guide 2.8.2.30 ACCS (grandparent) - calculation of shared care arrangements

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