Child's principal caregiver also cares for a child in hospital

Childcare Subsidy may be paid for up to 50 hours per week where the eligible child's principal caregiver has another dependent child who has been admitted to hospital. This includes a principal temporary caregiver of a child for whom Orphans Benefit or Unsupported Childs Benefit is paid.

There are further pressures on caregivers when a child is admitted to hospital. It is usually difficult for the caregiver to arrange childcare for other children so the caregiver, can visit the child in hospital.

Therefore up to 50 hours Childcare Subsidy may be granted in respect of other children in such families, regardless of how many hours the caregiver spends visiting the hospital.

Payment ceases when the hospitalised child is discharged.

Note the client and their partner (if any) do not need any further reason why they are not able to care for the eligible child.

A letter from the hospital social worker should be requested verifying that a dependent child has been, or will be admitted to hospital.

This letter should show:

• the date of admission and
• the expected date of discharge