In Australia, eligible families may receive both the Newborn Upfront Payment and Newborn Supplement Payment. Here are the general eligibility criteria for these payments:
- You must be the primary carer of a newborn child or recently adopted child.
- You or your partner must meet the residency requirements.
- You or your partner must meet the income test requirements.
- Your child must meet the immunization requirements.
- You must lodge a claim for the payment within 52 weeks of the birth or adoption.
If a baby is born to you
- You must be eligible for Family Tax Benefit Part A (FTB-A) or have an approved claim for FTB-A.
- You must have registered or applied to register your child’s birth unless they were born overseas.
If a child comes into your care
- Your child is younger than 1
- You are eligible for FTB Part A
- The child stays in your care for at least 13 continuous weeks from the date you first became eligible for Newborn Supplement.
If you adopt a child
- The child of any age is placed in your or your partner’s care by an authorized party as part of the adoption process
- You become eligible for FTB Part A within 12 months of the child coming into your or your partner’s care.
If you get Dad and Partner Pay, you may still be eligible for Newborn Upfront Payment and Newborn Supplement. However, approved care organizations, such as foster or adoption agencies, provide residential care for young people; they are not eligible for these payments.
Please note that these eligibility criteria are updated from time to time. It’s always a good idea to visit the official website of Services Australia or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information regarding eligibility and claiming these payments.