Babies born after the Budget, Abstudy and Veterans’ Children Eligible for One-Off Family Bonus

The Minister for Family and Community Services, Senator Kay Patterson, today reminded families that an administrative scheme will be established to cover families who are entitled to the Government’s generous $600 per child one-off payments, but have not been paid to date.

Senator Patterson said: “The administrative scheme will provide a mechanism to pay individuals and families who did not receive the one-off payment in June, but whose individual circumstances and incomes mean that they were otherwise eligible.”

Families eligible for Family Tax Benefit Part A in 2003-04, including those whose babies were born after 11 May and those families who have chosen to receive their FTB A entitlement for the 2003-04 financial year as a lump sum, will be covered by the scheme. The administrative scheme will also cover those with 16-17 year old dependent children receiving Abstudy or Veteran’s Children Education Scheme benefits.

In the legislation passed in May to give effect to the one-off payment, the Government provided for the creation of the administrative scheme.

On Budget night, the second reading speech introducing the legislation noted “an administrative scheme will be established to pay families who did not meet the criteria already noted for the one-off child payment on Budget night but who subsequently have a confirmed entitlement to family tax benefit Part A for the 2003-04 income year on reconciliation.”

Details of the administrative scheme are currently being finalised and it is expected that a legislative instrument, which gives effect to the scheme, will be gazetted next week.

“This administrative scheme will complete the roll-out of the $600 per child one-off payment,” Senator Patterson said.

“Families with any questions about their eligibility may call the Family Assistance Office on 13 6150, from Monday 5 July.”