The Australian Government Centrelink Childcare Benefit (CCB) is a payment made to families to assist with childcare costs. CCB families are also eligible to claim Childcare Rebate
(CCR), a further entitlement of up to 50% rebate for out-of-pocket childcare fees expenses.
Before using childcare you need a Customer Reference Number (CRN):
- obtain a CRN through the Family Assistance Office
(FAO) – located at Centrelink Customer Service Centres and Medicare Australia shop fronts or by using online services
- provide us with all your CRNs – both parents and those of each child being enrolled as each CRN is different; details must be exactly as provided to FAO: names spelling, dates of birth and same surnames
- we submit this information which links you, our Centre, Centrelink and the FAO – see also, privacy statement
Contact the Family Assistance Office (FAO)
To apply to the FAO for CCB and CCR, parents can call 8am – 8pm, Monday – Friday:
Telephone: 13 61 50
TTY 1800 810 586
Languages other than English: 13 12 02
Online: Family Assistance Office online services
NOTE: Applications assessed by FAO will determine your entitlements which can only be backdated 28 days so contact FAO promptly.
Help with understanding childcare benefit and rebate
- Centrelink service brochures are available from the Centre office (find your closest Centrelink and Medicare location
)
- Contact us or make a time to come into the office at the Centre
- See also Department of Education Employment and Workplace Relations Child Care Service Handbook