Christmas Cash Bonus

Many families who paid for child care before 1 July 2000 can still get a rebate in cash at their local Medicare office, Federal Minister for Community Services, Larry Anthony said today.

“Under the old Childcare Rebate scheme up to 30% of child care costs paid by parents could be refunded,” Mr Anthony said.

“But parents must act quickly – the last day parents can claim the rebate is Friday 29 December 2000.

“Importantly, the rebate can be paid for care provided up to two years ago.

“Many families may not realise that they are still able to get the Childcare Rebate. The ABS child care survey conducted in June 1999 suggested that as many as 250,000 parents did not claim their rebates.

“This adds up to a significant amount of money and with Christmas only a few weeks away many families would find this payment a real bonus.

“Most claims can be paid in cash immediately but claims for larger amounts may need to be processed separately and paid by cheque.

“Medicare staff can also provide information about the new Child Care Benefit.

“I urge all families who think they were entitled to the Childcare Rebate to take their child care receipts into Medicare before 29 December 2000,” Mr Anthony said.

The only conditions are that the childcare was for work or study reasons and that the person caring for the child was registered with Medicare.

Mr Anthony said most organisations and individuals charging for childcare were registered.