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.

4.6.1 General provisions for making a claim for CCS by fee reduction

Introduction

This section contains topics on the general provisions applying to an individual's (1.1.I.90) claim (1.1.C.27) for CCS by fee reduction. It covers:

  • the claim process
  • who should make a claim for CCS
  • when individuals should make a claim for CCS, and
  • how individuals can make a claim for CCS.

Claim process

An individual must make a claim in respect of a child to be eligible and entitled (1.1.E.30) to be paid CCS or ACCS. The CCS claim process involves 4 main functions:

  • determining if a claim is effective (4.6.1.10)
  • where a claim is effective, making an initial determination of eligibility based on whether the individual and their partner (1.1.P.30) (if applicable) meets the basic eligibility requirements (4.6.1.20)
  • collecting additional information needed to determine how much CCS or ACCS an individual is entitled to be paid for eligible sessions of care (1.1.S.40) provided to the child/ren (4.6.1.20), and
  • determining if the individual is eligible to be paid ACCS (grandparent) (2.8.2.10).

Who should make a CCS claim

Only individuals can make a claim for CCS. In a two-parent family, it is recommended the individual who enters into the CWA with the approved provider (1.1.A.90), also lodges the claim for CCS. It is also possible for that individual's partner to claim, and be eligible, to receive CCS.

Individuals who are unsure if their combined ATI (1.1.A.20) will be at or higher than the upper income threshold (at which CCS entitlement is zero) (1.1.I.70), should lodge a claim (1.1.C.27) for CCS but may provide an estimated ATI of more than the upper income threshold. This will ensure this individual can receive any CCS they may be entitled to after the end of the year income review process, should their combined actual ATI be less than the upper income threshold for that financial year.

When individuals should make a claim for CCS

Individuals should lodge their CCS claim either before, or as soon as possible after, enrolling their child for care with an approved child care service. As the date of effect for an initial determination of entitlement can only be backdated to the first Monday of a CCS fortnight that is not more than 28 days before the claim was made, individuals may be disadvantaged if they do not lodge their claim promptly.

A claim can remain active for up to 52 consecutive weeks without the individual receiving CCS or ACCS.

How individuals can make a claim for CCS

Most individuals will lodge and manage their CCS claim using Centrelink online services.

Individuals who cannot access this service have alternative options to make a CCS claim with Centrelink, including staff assisted processes over the phone or in person at a Centrelink office.

Policy reference: FA Guide 2.6.1 CCS eligibility, 2.6.5 CCS - requirements relating to CWA

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