Child Care Rebate - Eligibility While On Maternity Leave

**fionas** · January 31st, 2011, 11:51 AM

I've checked the website and am still in the dark a little.

My question is am I entitled to the 50% childcare rebate for DD1 who attends childcare 2 days per week even though I'm not working, training or studying? The website says that people who are on parental leave do not need to meet work, training or study requirements and I'm currently on maternity leave for DD2.

We don't receive childcare benefit because DP earns over the threshold.

**~Kim~** · January 31st, 2011, 11:54 AM

I still got it while I was employed but on mat leave.

**FabFiona** · January 31st, 2011, 11:55 AM

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.

**BrightSparkles** · January 31st, 2011, 12:02 PM

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** · January 31st, 2011, 01:48 PM

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** · January 31st, 2011, 01:52 PM

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

**FabFiona** · January 31st, 2011, 01:56 PM

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

**MrsB26** · January 31st, 2011, 01:56 PM

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** · January 31st, 2011, 02:01 PM

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~** · January 31st, 2011, 03:31 PM

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** · January 31st, 2011, 03:32 PM

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** · January 31st, 2011, 03:42 PM

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)

**fionas** · January 31st, 2011, 04:41 PM

thanks everyone.

I'm not intending to go back after my maternity leave ends but I'm not resigning either. We can apply for another two years' 'career break' so I'll probably be doing that. My preferred option would be to go back part-time but there are no part-time roles available so I will have a 'career break' instead.

BG - d'you know if I would still be entitled to the 50% rebate while I'm on a career break? I'm still technically employed - kinda like long service leave.

**briggsy's girl** · January 31st, 2011, 05:24 PM

i don't believe you will be as it's deemed a period of LWOP (which isn't covered - the only LWOP that is covered is the parental leave period)

**MrsB26** · January 31st, 2011, 07:11 PM

Sorry to hijack it a bit but BG, so say for example i decide not to return to work after 12 months maternity leave (i may extend it to 18 months instead) and my child goes to daycare only 2 days per week (so less than 24 hours per week) does that mean that after 12 months my CCR payments are ceased? Its so confusing!