Forgot to claim baby bonus. Can I still get it after 52 weeks?

[sophie]

Hi All,

Long time reader, first time poster. Had my baby in November 2009 but for various reasons I forgot to claim the baby bonus. Does anyone know if I can still claim it? I know the claim must be put in within 52 weeks after my child is born but I am hoping there is a way to lodge a late claim. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Regards,
Sophie

[~Kim~]

From the centrelink page

You need to claim Baby Bonus no later than 52 weeks after the birth of the child or in the case of adoption, no later than 52 weeks after the date the child came into your care as part of the adoption process.

[Neoma]

Hi Sophie, Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but it must be claimed within the 52 weeks. It is now well over that time frame.

[sophie]

Thanks for the replies so far. I am aware of the 52 week time limit. I guess what I want to know is if someone has been in my situation before and was able to still claim. Perhaps there is a way to appeal or lodge a late claim?

[briggsy's girl]

you can claim (anyone can claim)
you will be rejected (you have left it to late)
you will then have the right to appeal (and provide evidence as to why you didn't claim on time and why you have grounds to have a rejection overturned)


i can suggest there would need to be a better reason that forgetting - that one won't cut it sorry! i don't think there would be too many reasons that would be accepted (perhaps illness preventing you from claiming - with significant medical documentation to show that it was impossible)

i really think you've missed your window of opportunity on this one