Looking after children, whether as a parent or grandparent, comes with its fair share of challenges—one of the biggest is managing rising child care costs.
From early learning centres to after-school care, expenses can quickly add up, putting pressure on family budgets. For many Australians helping care for grandchildren, every dollar saved makes a real difference in keeping things running smoothly.
But did you know that a simple oversight in children’s immunisation schedules could result in a $100 a day loss in government support? This costly mistake is catching many Australian families off guard.
Australia is currently experiencing a global measles outbreak, with more than 60 cases already reported this year, almost as many as last year.
Under current Centrelink rules, your child must be up to date with their vaccinations (or on an approved catch-up schedule) to receive the Child Care Subsidy (CCS), Additional Child Care Subsidy (ACCS), and the full rate of Family Tax Benefit (FTB) Part A.
If the child falls behind, you could lose access to these payments, and the difference can be staggering.
The 63-day grace period: what you need to know
If the child’s immunisations are overdue, Centrelink gives you a 63-day grace period to get back on track. But after that, your CCS payments will stop, and your FTB Part A could be reduced by up to $34.44 per fortnight for each child who isn’t up to date.
That’s nearly $900 a year, per child, before you factor in the full cost of child care, which can easily exceed $100 a day.
For many families, losing the subsidy means paying the full price for child care, which can quickly become unaffordable. This situation can strain household budgets enormously, especially for those already feeling the pinch from rising living costs.
Some immunisation requirements are exempt, but they are strictly limited. Medical exemptions, such as a child’s compromised immune system, may be granted for valid medical reasons.
However, personal, philosophical, or religious objections are not accepted. In rare cases, exemptions may also be considered if there is a risk of family violence.
State-by-state rules: ‘No jab, no play’
It’s also important to know that immunisation requirements can vary depending on where you live.
In New South Wales and South Australia, for example, ‘no jab, no play’ laws mean children must be fully immunised or on a catch-up schedule to attend child care.
The rules are less strict in other states and territories, but child care providers still have the right to refuse or cancel enrolment based on immunisation status.
And if there’s an outbreak of a vaccine-preventable disease at a child’s centre, unvaccinated children may be excluded for some time to protect their health and the health of others.
How to check your child’s immunisation status
A child’s immunisation history statement can be accessed through your Medicare online account via myGov. This statement lists all the child’s vaccinations, including any overdue or coming up soon.
If you haven’t linked your Medicare account to myGov, you must do that first. Alternatively, you can ask your GP or health professional for a copy, or check the Services Australia website for other ways to access this information.
If you discover the child is overdue for a vaccination, don’t panic. Book an appointment with your GP or local immunisation provider soon.
They can help you organise catch-up vaccinations and update your records with the Australian Immunisation Register.
Remember, as long as the child is on an approved catch-up schedule, you’ll continue to meet the immunisation requirements for Centrelink payments.
If you’re unsure how much you could be entitled to—or how much you stand to lose—the Payment and Service Finder on the Services Australia website is a handy tool. It can help you estimate your Family Tax Benefit and Child Care Subsidy based on your circumstances.
With the rising cost of living, no family can afford to miss out on the government support they’re entitled to. Keeping your child’s or grandchild’s immunisations up to date is vital for their and the community’s health, but it’s also essential for protecting your family’s finances.
Have the immunisation requirements for Centrelink payments caught you out? Or do you have tips for keeping up with your child’s or grandchildren’s vaccination schedule? Share your experiences and advice in the comments below.
Also read: What happens if Centrelink overpays you? Lawyers weigh in
