Child Care Rebate - Eligibility While On Maternity Leave

[BrightSparkles]

The answer is a big yes! I too was wondering about this recently and couldn't find any clear information the interweb. I rang the Family Assistance Office. I was advised by the fabulous helpful person on the phone that you can claim CCR for up to 12 months whether on paid or unpaid maternity leave.

I was told the same thing provided I was actually going back to work rather than resigning while I was on leave.. ITMS?? And yes I got it while I was on unpaid mat leave

[MrsB26]

You are intitled to it for upto 24 hours per week per child if you arent working or studying. It doesnt matter if you are on maternity leave or dont return to work or whatever.

This is from the FAO website -
If you are using approved care, you will get up to 24 hours of Child Care Benefit per child per week without having to meet the work, training, study test.

If you wish to claim between 24 and 50 hours of Child Care Benefit per child per week, you have to show that you and your partner have work related commitments for:

•at least 15 hours a week; or
•30 hours a fortnight; or
•have an exemption.


I was under the impression that i only had 12 months (maternity leave) then i had to return to work to get the benefit back but this isnt the case

[fionas]

Yep, but that's about Child Care BENEFIT and I'm asking about the Child Care REBATE which is why I'm confused.

[FabFiona]

I am not eligible for CCB either. I was advised by the FAO that I can claim for CCR.

[MrsB26]

ooopsie - i'm obviously confused about all centrelink stuff
Well then the answer is still yes - you will get it while on maternity leave, i am on maternity leave and still get it back for DS who goes twice a week.

[fionas]

yep, I currently get it back but haven't advised them that I'm on maternity leave and they're not mind readers so I'm not sure if I'm SUPPOSED to get it back. Can't get through on phone. Just don't want to be in a situation where I have to pay it back at the end of the year.

[~Kim~]

We aren't eligible for the %off either but still got the rebate, and I resigned whilst on mat leave but DD's last day was before my last day of service. We've done tax since then and they never asked for it back so

[Mak]

If you are on mat leave and intending to go back then you are fine for the rebate. It is only when you resign that you are no longer eligible as you are still employed.

[briggsy's girl]

If you are on mat leave and intending to go back then you are fine for the rebate. It is only when you resign that you are no longer eligible as you are still employed.

yeah, in a nut shell, that's it

if you are still employed, and in the first 12 months of your parental leave, you're entitled to CCR (and the number of hours you are entitled to will depend on your entitlement before you went on leave - so if you were working enough hours to qualify for 50 hours before you went on mat leave, you'll still be entitled to the same number of hours now)