It’s becoming more common for grandparents to take on the responsibility for bringing up their grandchildren, but this can be costly. So, is there is financial assistance available?
Q. Trudie
Due to circumstances beyond our control, my husband and I may have to provide full-time care, in the short term at least, for our two young grandchildren. This is obviously a concern for us, because we are both on a full Age Pension and don’t know how we can cope financially. Is there assistance available to us and how do we arrange it?
A. Thanks for your query. The Department of Human Services has grandparent advisers who specialise in providing information to families who find themselves caring for their grandchildren. Grandparent advisers can help you claim Centrelink payments, such as the Family Tax Benefit.
You’ll need to provide some information to grandparent advisers to help them determine whether you’re eligible for payments, such as the reason for the change of care and whether it’s a formal or informal care arrangement. If you’re caring for the children full-time, grandparent advisers will also need to know what level of care you’re providing and for how long.
You can contact your local grandparent adviser on 1800 245 965, or find out more at Human Services.
If you already receive the Family Tax Benefit Part B, you must register with Centrelink as a grandparent caring for a grandchild before 1 July 2016. There will be no changes to your payment as long as you register before this date.
For more details about the changes to Family Tax Benefit Part B, visit Humanservices.gov.au
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