2011 Australian Baby Bonus News Site.

Top 10 Asked Questions

1) How much is the Baby Bonus?

The baby bonus is $5,185.

Note: If you have twins, you are entitled to 2 x $5,185. The Baby Bonus is indexed in March and September of each year

2) Is the Baby Bonus paid in one lump sum?

Generally Yes. However, if you are 17 or younger, the payment is paid as 13 equal fortnightly instalments. If you are over the age of 18 it can be paid in fortnightly instalments or as a combination of lump sum and fortnightly instalments.

3) Do I have to wait for my baby to be born before I get the payment?

Yes.

4) When do I get paid the Baby Bonus?

Once you have made your claim and your entitlement has been confirmed. Your claim must be lodged within 26 weeks of the child's birth or, in the case of adoption in Australia, within 26 weeks of the adopted child coming into the adopting parents' care. For overseas adoptions the claim must be lodged within 26 weeks of the child's arrival in Australia where the arrival is part of the adoption process, or within 26 weeks of the child coming into the adopting parents' care where the child does not arrive in Australia as part of the adoption process.

5) Do I have to pass an Income or Asset test to get the Baby Bonus?

Currently NO, but from 1 January 2009 this will change. From January 1 next year, a means test will apply to families with a combined income of $150,000 a year or more.

6) Can I get the Baby Bonus?

Baby Bonus is payable to:

• A parent of a baby if the parent meets all other eligibility criteria at any time within 13 weeks of the baby's birth; or
• A parent of a stillborn baby if the parent would have met all the other criteria if the baby had not been stillborn; or
• An adoptive parent if the child is adopted under two years of age and in the case of overseas adoption, enter Australia before turning two years of age; or
• A claimant who is entrusted with the care of a newborn baby if the claimant meets all other eligibility criteria within 13 weeks of the baby's birth and if the claimant is likely to continue to have care of the child for no less than 13 weeks; or
• A claimant who, before a baby is 26 weeks of age, has the baby entrusted to their care because the claimant will be adopting the baby, provided the claimant meets all other eligibility criteria within 13 weeks of the baby coming into the care of the claimant.

7) What is the situation where there is shared care of a baby?

Where there is shared care of a baby within the first 13 weeks of the child's life, the intention is that Baby Bonus remains a payment to the mother. However, in unusual circumstances such as where the mother did not have ongoing primary responsibility for a baby for this period, the payment may be paid to the other carer (or apportioned between both carers in a shared care arrangement).

8) We are planning on adoption, are we entitled to the Baby Bonus?

Yes. Where a child has been entrusted to your care for adoption before two years of age and in the case of international adoptions, has entered Australia before two years of age you will be entitled to the Baby Bonus.

9) Do I get taxed on the Baby Bonus?

No, the Baby Bonus is Tax Free

10) I need assistance, who do I contact?

The Baby Bonus is now administered by Centrelink. (This site is not endorsed or affiliated with Centrelink) You can visit www.familyassist.gov.au or phone 13 6150.