Pre-school(kindy fees)
 

Hi there, not posted for a while.

Would like firstly to say that my 176 visa has been granted and our flights are booked for the 4th of Feb, would like to add a huge thanks to everyone for there posts and questions as the advice has been amazing.

We are moving to Brisbane and have just enrolled our son into Kenmore distract kindy. The kindy sent us a list of there fees with enrolment forms and for each term it will cost $3400 approx. My question is that here in Britain we get 15hrs a week government paid sessions is there anyway of claiming back some of the fees we will be paying or is this just the how it is in Australia.

Thanks in advance
Hamish

Re: Pre-school(kindy fees)
 

You will need to submit a claim through Centrelink, for Child Benefit, which is means tested. However, there are 2 parts to it, and you would probably, dependant on income, receive some benefit through Part B. Make sure the kindy is registered. The following link should help. But you will need to apply in person. I have been trying to apply on-lin today and just cannot find out how to even though it says you can:frown:http://www.humanservices.gov.au/cust...d-care-benefit

Re: Pre-school(kindy fees)
 

Hi Skippy, Some good news...I think those fees are per year not per term. Each term is $700 according to their website: http://kdkindy.com.au/fees/. The annual fee matches you figure.

There are two main govt programmes to provide Childcare support:

Childcare Benefit (CCB) - means tested
Childcare Rebate (CCR) - NOT means tested.

The Childcare Rebate (CCR) programme gives you back half the fees (50%) and is not means tested. Unfortunately I think CCR is only applicable to centres that provide "Approved" care (normal day care centres), not "Registered" care like yours does. Please check this but this is my reading of the rules.

(Source: http://www.humanservices.gov.au/cust...ld-care-rebate)

If you are below the income threshold (~$110,000) you may get some back through the Child Care Benefit (CCB) programme. This has the following work/study test for Child Care Centres that provide "Registered" care which yours does (as opposed to "Approved" care).

"If you use registered child care, you can claim Child Care Benefit of up to 50 hours per child per week—if you and your partner are looking for work, working, training, or studying at some time during the week or have an exemption from that requirement."


Source: http://www.humanservices.gov.au/cust...d-care-benefit


The kindy must be govt registered carer for you to get this money back. Found this in your kindy's FAQ:

"Can I claim any reduction on Kindergarten fees?

A: We provide Child Care Receipts per term for those families eligible to claim the Child Care Benefit. We are a Registered Carer (555-017-145K) and you should contact the Families Assistance Office to check your eligibility. If you have a current Australian Health Care Card for your child, you are able to receive a reduction in fees, as determined by the Queensland Government through the Queensland Kindergarten Funding Scheme."


Note: The word Registered in the above paragraph is important. As I mentioned childcare providers are either "Approved" or "Registered" (govts heh?) and the rules are slightly different for the two.

Re: Pre-school(kindy fees)
 

Thanks Fish01

Re: Pre-school(kindy fees)
 

You could try one of the other daycare facilities in Kenmore that are 'approved' which would mean you are entitled to the 50% rebate - for example http://kdmch.com.au/ (just from a google search, not an endorsement)