2011 Australian Baby Bonus News Site.

Maternity Immunisation Allowance

The Maternity Immunisation Allowance is a payment aimed at encouraging parents and carers to immunise their child.

From 1 January 2009, the Maternity Immuni-sation Allowance will be paid in two instalments. The first instalment will be paid when the child is fully immunised and aged between 18 and 24 months. The second instalment will be paid when the child is fully immunised and aged between four and five years.

The payment has been split in two to encourage parents to immunise their children against diseases during the vital years before they start school.
Parents with an adopted child from outside Australia who arrives in Australia before their 16th birthday may also be eligible to claim the Maternity Immunisation Allowance. To receive the payment, they will need to claim on or before their child’s fifth birthday or within two years of their arrival in Australia, whichever is later.

If the care of a child is shared, parents or carers must care for the child for at least 35 per cent of the time in order to be eligible to receive the Maternity Immunisation Allowance.

For more information on either of these payments, contact Centrelink or the Family Assistance Office on 13 61 50. Families can also visit their nearest Family Assistance Office located in Medicare offices and Centrelink Customer Service Centres, or visit the websites www.centrelink.gov.au or www.familyassist.gov.au.