08-08-2010, 04:09 PM
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Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 37
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Baby Bonus 2011
The following is an extract from the Family Assistance Office. If in doubt about your circumstances please contact them direct on 13 61 50. The following is general in nature and should not be relied upon as complete unless you have confirmed with the Family Assistance Office.
Baby Bonus
How much is the Baby Bonus?
Effective 1 July 2010 to 30 June 2011 the Baby Bonus is $5,294.
The Baby Bonus is paid in 13 equal fortnightly instalments. Baby Bonus is payable for each child in a multiple birth.
If there is a change in care during the 26 week eligibility period following the birth, the payment may be apportioned between two carers.
Please Note: Baby Bonus is indexed in July of each year. Baby Bonus is not taxable income and it is not considered income for Family Assistance or Social Security purposes.
What is the Baby Bonus?
Baby Bonus is paid to families following the birth (including stillborn babies) or adoption of a child. It recognises the extra costs incurred at the time of a new birth or adoption.
Please Note: This payment replaced the Maternity Allowance and Baby Bonus (administered by the Australian Taxation Office) from 1 July 2004.
Can I get the Baby Bonus?
To be eligible for Baby Bonus you must:
•be the parent of a dependent child; or
•be a carer other than the parent of a newborn child within 26 weeks of the child's birth and be likely to continue to have the care of the child for no less than 26 weeks; or
•in the case of adoption the child must have come into your care before the child is sixteen years of age; and
•have adjusted taxable income of less than or equal to $75,000* for the period of 6 months from the date of birth of the child or six months from the date that the child entered into your care; and
•meet Australian residency requirements for family assistance purposes.
*Note: This income limit will next be subject to indexation on 1 July 2012
Budget announcement for Changes to family assistance
Reform of family payments
From 1 July 2009, upper income thresholds for Family Tax Benefit and the family income limit for the Baby Bonus will remain at current levels for three financial years.
Family Tax Benefit Part A Higher Income Free Area
The Family Tax Benefit Part A Higher Income Free Area of $94,316 (plus $3,796 for each child after the first) will be maintained at its current level until 30 June 2012.
This will affect families who have an annual adjusted taxable income above the higher income threshold. Families with income above this threshold will have the base rate of Family Tax Benefit Part A reduced by 30 cents in the dollar until entitlement is lost.
Families who lose their Family Tax Benefit Part A payments may subsequently lose eligibility for the Education Tax Refund, Medicare Teen Dental Plan and the lower Medicare Safety Net threshold.
Family Tax Benefit Part B primary earner income threshold
The Family Tax Benefit Part B primary earner income threshold of $150,000 will be maintained at its current level until 30 June 2012.
This will affect families where the primary earner has an annual adjusted taxable income above the income threshold. If a primary earner has income above this threshold, the family will no longer be entitled to Family Tax Benefit Part B.
Baby Bonus family income limit
The Baby Bonus family income limit of $75,000 in the six months following the birth or adoption of a child (roughly equivalent to $150,000 a year) will be maintained at its current level until 30 June 2012.
This will affect families who have a family adjusted taxable income above the income limit. If a family has income above this limit, the family will not be entitled to the Baby Bonus.
Parents are required to formally register the birth of their child as a condition of receiving the Baby Bonus. This requirement does not apply to parents whose child is stillborn, adopted or born outside Australia.
How do I get the Baby Bonus?
Your claim must be lodged within 52 weeks of the child's birth or, in the case of adoption, within 52 weeks of the adopted child coming into the adopting parent's care.
Claims for new babies can be lodged online or contact the Family Assistance Office to request a claim form if you were not issued with a form at the time of birth.
For more information visit www.familyassist.gov.au
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Baby Bonus 2011
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