Finishing work and Child Care Rebate

[mrscricket]

Hi girls - I hoping someone on here can clarify something for me. I am finishing work this week - permanately due to the impending arrival of our twins .

I rang the Family Assistance office to re-start our Family Assistance payments as we had elected to recieve anything we were entitled to at the end of the financial year, which the girl I spoke to said I couldn't do it as it was in DH's name and he would have to ring back. (DH has spoken to them and nominated me as being able to make changes, but sometimes we do get someone who will only deal with him, so I was fine with ringing back). I also let the girl know that I was finishing work, and just wanted to let them know in regards to our childcare (DS goes one day a week). She comfirmed what I had been thinking - our childcare hours would be reduced to 24 hours a week instead of 50 (not that we have ever used 50), and we would be entitled to the CC Benefit but not the quaterly Rebate anymore - which is what I had been expecting.

Fast forward to DH coming home from work and me telling him to make the call and him playing dumb, pretending he didn't know how to use a phone so it would be easier for me to call and give all our details to the automated system, and sit on hold until the call was answered, then I could hand it over to him. Yes, I am a sucker for a wife.... Anyway

-the girl I spoke to this time allowed me to change everything in regards to FA payments, and also said that we are still entitled to CC Rebate (and 50 hours) for the next 12 months as I will be on 'maternity leave'. I did tell her that although I am going to apply for the government Paid Paternity Leave, I have resigned from my job and will not be going back to work for atleast 3 years. She said that was fine, we were still entitled to it and entered it into her system that I had finished work etc (I techincally finish tomorrow but DS only goes to daycare on Fridays).

I know this is probably all a bit garbled and I probably could of written "I am finishing work, am I still entitled to CCR' but it was a bit confusing being told 2 different things, and I don't want to be getting money back for something I shouldn't then have to pay it all back. I rang the day before Cyclone Yasi hit so both girls actually laughed and said it was a good thing I had rang that day as I'd probably never be able to get through on the phone system ever again because they would be so busy.

[briggsy's girl]

ok, first things first
the second person who made the change to turn payments back on did the wrong thing - if you have permission to enquire, you are allowed to change the income estimate, but NOT payment options

as to the CCR - i can't say for sure - i BELIEVE you are entitled to the CCR for the first 12 months, BUT, if you've resigned, it may be different - i'd have to clarify that one

[FabFiona]

I don't think the advice you've received was correct. The CCR is for people that intend to return to work. The criteria clearly states that you meet the work/training/study test if you are on paid or unpaid maternity leave. If you have quit your job then you are on neither.