4.2 Claims for FTB
Types of claim
There are 3 main types of claims for FTB:
A claim for FTB can include any combination of these claim types, but separate claim forms do not have to be lodged, provided the individual has provided all the necessary information in the claim to make the determination for each type of claim and the claim relates to one financial year.
One common claim scenario is a combination of past period claim and instalment claim where the individual becomes eligible for FTB prior to lodging the claim. The past period claim is paid out as a lump sum and ongoing entitlement is paid as instalments.
Example: Judy has a baby in August and lodges their FTB claim 6 weeks later. Judy is eligible for FTB from the day the baby is born. Judy's entitlement is determined as a past period claim from the baby's DOB up to the date the claim is lodged, and as an instalment claim from the date the claim is lodged. The administrative process involved in the 2 claims is not apparent to Judy. When Judy's FTB is paid, they receive a lump sum for the 6-week period prior to the date of the claim and fortnightly FTB instalments from the date of the claim (including arrears from the date the claim was lodged to the date the claim was granted).
If an individual is claiming for a past period in a previous financial year and the current financial year, they need to lodge a past period claim for the period in the previous year and an instalment claim (which will include the past period) for the current financial year.
Example: Judy has a baby on 3 May 2024 and lodges their FTB claim on 9 September 2024. Judy needs to lodge a lump sum claim for the period 3 May to 30 June 2024. Centrelink determines Judy’s entitlement for the period in the 2023-24 income year when Judy’s (and her partner’s, if applicable) ATI for that income year is confirmed by the ATO or, if Judy and/or her partner are not required to lodge an income tax return for the 2023-24 income year, once they have notified Centrelink of their ATI for that income year.
Judy also needs to lodge an instalment claim for their ongoing entitlement. Judy’s entitlement is determined from 1 July to 8 September 2024 as a past period, and as an instalment claim from 9 September 2024 when the claim was lodged.
Individuals can lodge a claim for FTB up to 97 days before the expected day on which a child will become an FTB child of the individual (a pre-claim). Pre-claims may also be lodged for PLP.
Example: Judy is due to have a baby in February. Judy may submit a pre-claim for FTB and/or PLP 97 days before the baby's expected due date. Judy's entitlement for any of the payments will be determined after the baby is born and once Judy has provided any additional required information to Centrelink. However, Judy may choose to wait until the baby is born to make a claim.
If a person is receiving FTB by instalments and claims FTB for an additional child (for example, a newborn child) this is a variation to the individual's rate of FTB and the date of effect provisions relating to changes to non-income related circumstances are applied.
Policy reference: FA Guide 4.4.2.10 Change in non-income related circumstances
Lodgement timeframe
Individuals have 12 months after the relevant income year (1.1.I.75) to lodge a past period claim for that income year.
Example: Vicki wants to lodge a past period claim for the 2023-24 financial year. She has 12 months after the income year to lodge the claim. Therefore, she has until 30 June 2025 to lodge her claim.
The claim lodgement timeframe may be extended if special circumstances have prevented an individual from lodging a past period claim by the end of the lodgement year (1.1.L.30). However, any extension provided must end no later than the end of the second income year after the relevant income year.
Act reference: FA(Admin)Act section 10(2A) Restrictions on claims for payment of FTB for a past period