From 2 July 2018, the Australian Government will be introducing the new Child Care Subsidy, which will replace both the Child Care Benefit and Child Care Rebate. These changes will require all Montessori Academy families to update their details with Centrelink.

This new fee assistance program will offer an increase in support for many families, as the annual subsidy caps have been revised. Means testing will be based on your family’s income, work activities, and the type of child care service your child attends.

These changes will affect all families who currently receive government funding. It is important to note that your family’s current benefits will not automatically roll over. It is essential that you update your information as per the steps below to continue to receive funding.

What do I need to do to access the Child Care Subsidy?

From April 2018, all families will need to complete an online Child Care Subsidy assessment with Centrelink through your MyGov account.

To complete the assessment, select Centrelink from the My Gov Services tab, and follow the links to the Child Care Subsidy assessment form.

If you don’t have a My Gov account, you can create one today at http://my.gov.au/.

Alternatively, you can provide Centrelink with this information at one of their centres across Sydney.

To complete this form, you will be required to provide details about your estimated 2018 – 2019 family income, your activity details (which includes paid and unpaid work, study, and volunteering), and a confirmation of your child’s enrolment at a Montessori Academy campus.

Parents who currently receive the Child Care Benefit and Rebate will soon be receiving a Centrelink letter providing more detail about these changes.

Montessori Academy recommends that all enrolled families complete the Child Care Subsidy form as soon as possible to avoid paying full fees.

If you not complete the online assessment, you will be charged the full daily fee from 2 July 2018. For more information about the new Child Care Subsidy, please see: https://www.education.gov.au/early-childhood/child-care-subsidy