We got a payment from the FAO about a week after we lodged our tax. We were expecting some money but didn't know how much and are not sure what this is for (we think we get two payments) - how long until I get a letter detailing what the money is for? It's been in my account since probably Tuesday...
Also, we originally told FAO we would claim CCB at tax time... then decided to claim it as we went so applied for base rate about July. Do we have to lodge anything to get the amount from the first half of the year or do they automatically work it out? And if I overestimated our income, do they automatically adjust it or do I have to fill something in? I'm a total novice!
hard to say exactly what the payment is for if there hasn't been some itemisation on your account. the most likely thing would be that you have been paid your ftba supplement (i assume with you working your income would have been over the thresholds for ftbb) and a top up for any ftba you were entitled to if you overestimated your income (approx 200 for every 1000 you over estimated)
so, if you over estimated by 5000, you'd get your ftbb supplement 667 and your top up 1000
with that payment you would have also received any child care benefit (ccb) top up you are entitled to. when you initially called to ask to have ccb added to your record, it SHOULD have been dated to the day you first put DD into care, so i should back pay you - but i can't promise that has happened. it would all appear in your account as fao payments
one thing i'll let you know though - the payment might be ONLY your child care benefit top up, as the aim is to deliver both your tax return and ftb top ups together, so there might be a delay there for that one...
what i would suggest is, if you don't get your letter tomorrow, give fao a call and ask for an explanation. it's a pita, but if it at least allows you to clear up what the money is... if you're registered for online services with c'link you can view your payment breakdown online
fwiw - if fao generate a payment, it's in your bank within two days (unless it's going via ATO) - your letter gets sent but sometimes (hell, most of the time!) Australia Post don't get the letter to you as quickly as the payment hits your bank
Thanks BG! If I don't get a letter tomorrow I'll go to the local office when I can this week and ask... hopefully I won't be "waiting" as long as I would on the phone!
don't go to the office - they are primarily trained in income support payments (so newstart, parenting payment etc) and are highly likely to send you to the phone in the office to call anyway!!! they are seriously short staffed, and any new staff coming in received no FAO training as most FTB stuff is done at central processing centres
go home, make a cuppa, relax, and make the call (FAO are available 8-8 mon-fri) - apparently the queues aren't as bad now as they were in july (i've not been at work for a while...)
I know this is WAY off track, but BG what are the chances of getting the voice activated thingy off the PP line?? It's really hard when there are kids in the background & all you wanna do is use the self service.
Sorry, but I just had to ask, & I thought it pointless to start a whole new thread...
Yell at me if you need to!
FAO Payment - what for?
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