2011 Australian Baby Bonus News Site.

Dear All,

Congratulations to the prospective and have-become parents..

I have a query regarding our eligibility to receive a baby bonus.

I am a permanent resident of Australia and soon eligible to apply for citizenship.

We are expecting our FIRST baby in mid-july this year.. however, my wife is in our home country as she was home sick and we thought it would be good that our parents would be of immense assistance to her while in and after pregrancy.

After baby's birth, i intend to bring both of them back to this wonderland (Australia).

My question is : based on the above facts, do you think we are eligible to receive baby bonus ? or may be not as the child was not born in australia ?

Thanks

Jay

Hi Jay,

The way I read it is as follows. To be eligible you must do all of the following within 13 weeks of the birth of your child:

- you must meet Australian residency requirements, i.e be an Australian resident or be the holder of a permanent visa (which it appears you are).
- be legally responsible for your baby, i.e. your child should also be in Australia within 13 weeks with you.
- you must have a tax file number
- lodge the form within 26 weeks of childs birth
- If your child is born outside Australia you are not required to register your baby in Australia.

Note the payment is usally paid to only one claimant, that defaults to the mother, the Family Assistance Office do not solit the payment. I trust your wife meets the above criteria.

I hope this helps. Please note, this is how I interpret things, if you are unsure call the Family Assistance Office.

Good luck and all the best on the birth of your child!