Clients with partners

If a client has a partner, they are generally expected to provide care for the child while the client is in employment, training, study or other activity.

However, a Childcare Subsidy can be paid for up to 50 hours per week where the partner cannot look after the child because:

• the partner is in employment (including full-time, part-time, temporary or casual) or
• the partner is participating in a rehabilitation programme or
• the partner is attending employment related training or
• the partner is participating in a suitable activity under section 102A(1)(f) or
• the partner is participating in a suitable activity under section 123B or
• the partner is attending a course of study at a secondary school or a tertiary educational institute or
• there is a good and sufficient reason why the partner cannot look after the child

As a guideline, good and sufficient reasons would include situations where the partner may be able to get an exemption from their work obligations. For example, where the partner is ill or is caring for someone who is ill.

Note when a Child Disability Allowance is paid for that child or another dependent child, or one of the dependent children is in hospital, then a good and sufficient reason is not required at that time.