Temporary illness
Childcare Subsidy may be paid for up to 50 hours a week if the qualifications are met and the caregiver:
- is in paid employment and
- is unable to attend their employment due to sickness or injury and
- has a child who has been attending an early childhood service while the parent worked and
- does not have a partner who can provide childcare or there is a good and sufficient reason why the partner is unable to provide childcare
Note when Childcare Subsidy is being paid temporarily because of sickness or injury it can only be paid to clients who have had to completely stop working. It cannot be paid where the client has reduced their hours.
This type of subsidy may only be paid for a maximum of 12 weeks.
If the illness is for more than 5 working days it must be verified by a medical certificate from a registered medical practitioner or nurse practitioner. A copy of this certificate should be kept on the client's file. Where the illness is 5 working days or less a medical certificate is not required.
Payment can continue when client returns to work if they were getting it before they became ill.
If the caregiver is unable to participate in employment or training due to an injury, ACC or another workplace insurer may pay for childcare. If this is the case, then the subsidy is not payable.
For more information see:
Legislation
- Assistance may continue if caregiver not working because of health condition, injury, or disability regulation 25 Social Security Regulations 2018
