3.6.7.80 Qualification during temporary absence from the private home - education, training or treatment (other than in hospital) - CA (child)

Child care receiver absent

A person does not cease to be qualified for CA (child) when the child with the disability is absent from the home for education, training or treatment (other than treatment in hospital) (1.1.E.20).

However, once the temporary cessation of care provisions (63 days) have been used in full in a calendar year, the rate of CA (child) is proportionately reduced for any absence that exceeds more than one full day, that is at least 24 hours, due to education, training or treatment (other than treatment in hospital). A 24 hour period is from 12 am to 12 am. Part days do not count as temporary cessation of care.

If the child lives away from home for these reasons, and returns home for any days within the fortnight, the recipient may be paid for these days. If the child is at boarding school for a full fortnight instalment period, the rate of payment would be reduced to nil.

If payment has been reduced to nil because of the absence from the home for education, training or treatment, qualification for the HCC is still retained. Payment may be made for periods the child spent at home if the parent or carer makes a request within 13 weeks of being advised of the cancellation. If the child does not return home within 13 weeks, or the parent or carer does not request arrears within that period, a new claim for CA (child) must be lodged. Arrears may then be paid for up to 13 weeks.

Qualification on combined scores of 2 children

For a person who qualifies on the basis of the combined scores of 2 children, the rate of CA (child) is proportionately reduced as soon as either of the children is absent from the home for education, training or treatment (other than treatment in hospital) AND the temporary cessation of care provisions (63 days) have been used in full in a calendar year. If there is a regular pattern, the rate of CA (child) is set according to the number of days BOTH children are at home during each fortnight after the temporary cessation of care provisions (63 days) have been used in full in a calendar year.

Care receiver is an adult

Provisions for temporary absence of the care receiver from the home because of their participation in education, training or treatment (other than in hospital) only apply if the care receiver is a CA child. They do not apply where the care receiver is a CA adult. Where the care receiver is a CA adult the general temporary cessation of care provisions are applied.