The global resurgence of measles serves as a stark reminder of the crucial role vaccinations play in safeguarding our health.
As we reach the third quarter of the year, Australia has already reported over 60 cases of measles, nearly matching the total number from the previous year.
Parents, this serves as an important reminder to verify your child’s vaccination status today. If your child is not up-to-date with their immunizations, it could have an impact on your Family Tax Benefit (FTB) and Child Care Subsidy (CCS) payments.
The Importance of Immunisation for Government Benefits
Failing to ensure that your child is immunized or behind schedule with their vaccinations may influence the government benefits you receive.
To qualify for the Child Care Subsidy (CCS), Additional Child Care Subsidy (ACCS), or the full income-tested rate of Family Tax Benefit (FTB) Part A, your child must be current with their early childhood vaccinations or be on a catch-up vaccination schedule.
While medical exemptions to immunization can be granted for valid health reasons, exemptions based on personal or philosophical beliefs are not recognized. Exemptions may also be approved in specific circumstances, such as the risk of family violence.
Immunisation Grace Period and Impact on Payments
There is a 63-day grace period if your child’s immunizations are overdue. However, after this period ends, you will no longer receive the CCS, and your FTB Part A will start decreasing.
This reduction could be up to $34.44 per fortnight per child, which equates to nearly $900 per year for each child who does not meet the immunisation requirements.
To put it in perspective, full child care fees can exceed $100 per day. Therefore, the combination of losing CCS payments and the reduction in FTB Part A could put a significant strain on your family’s finances.
The “No Jab, No Play” Legislation
In certain states, like New South Wales and South Australia, the ‘no jab, no play’ policy mandates that children must be fully immunized or on an approved catch-up schedule in order to attend child care.
However, in other regions, children may still attend child care without being vaccinated, though child care providers reserve the right to refuse or cancel enrollment based on immunization status.
Moreover, if a measles outbreak occurs, children who are not vaccinated may be temporarily excluded from attending child care facilities. For further details on state and territory requirements, visit official resources here.
How to Check Your Child’s Vaccination Status
To check if your child’s immunizations are up-to-date, you can access their Immunisation History Statement through your Medicare online account via myGov.
This statement includes details on all the vaccinations your child has received, as well as those that are overdue or upcoming.
If you need guidance on how to access this information, a detailed step-by-step guide is available. Additionally, if you haven’t yet linked your Medicare account to myGov, you will need to do so before accessing the statement.
For alternative ways to obtain vaccination information, you can visit the Services Australia website for more options.
Vaccinations are not only essential for protecting your child’s health but also necessary for maintaining access to critical government benefits like CCS and FTB Part A.
With measles cases on the rise, ensuring that your child is immunized is more important than ever. Take action today to confirm your child’s vaccination status and avoid any unnecessary disruptions to your family’s financial support.
FAQs
How can I find out if my child’s vaccinations are up-to-date?
To check your child’s vaccination history, you can access the Immunisation History Statement through your Medicare online account on myGov. This document will provide details on vaccinations received and any that are overdue.
What happens if I don’t immunize my child?
Failure to immunize your child can result in a reduction in your Family Tax Benefit and the suspension of Child Care Subsidy payments. Additionally, child care providers may refuse enrollment based on immunization status, especially during outbreaks.
How long do I have to catch up on missed vaccinations?
If your child’s vaccinations are overdue, there is a 63-day grace period during which you can still receive benefits. After this period, payments will begin to decrease or cease entirely for your child.