Support for families
This Budget makes assistance for families more flexible. It builds on a range of initiatives introduced since 2007, including personal income tax cuts, the increase in the Child Care Rebate, the introduction of the Education Tax Refund and Paid Parental Leave.
Supporting families with teenagers
The Government will increase the annual rate of Family Tax Benefit (FTB) Part A for families with dependants aged 16 to 19 years who are enrolled in full time secondary school study by up to $4,208 to equal the rate for 13 to 15 year olds. This will help families meet the extra costs of raising teenagers and support families to keep their children at school.
Flexible family payments
The Government will help families through more flexible access to their FTB Part A, to meet unexpected expenses, such as a repair bill.
From 1 July 2011, eligible families can request an advance on their annual entitlement of up to 7.5 per cent (to a maximum of $1,000) at any time throughout the year.
More choices for child care payments
The Government is giving parents greater choice about when and how they receive their Child Care Rebate payments. To assist in managing household budgets, families will be able to choose to have their Child Care Rebate paid at the time they incur their child care costs, usually fortnightly or weekly.
Parents will also have the option of having this payment made directly to their child care provider as a reduction on their bills.
Expanding the Education Tax Refund (ETR)
The ETR assists parents and carers with expenses such as computers, stationery and textbooks which can place pressure on the family budget. The Government is extending the ETR, at an estimated cost of $460 million over four years, to cover school uniforms, including optional uniforms and sports uniforms.
Increase in FTB Part A for families with teenagers enrolled in full time secondary study