Childcare cost income exemption

There is an additional $20 per week income exemption for Emergency Maintenance Allowance clients when they have to pay childcare costs while they are working.

It is not necessary for the child to go into an approved childcare centre, private arrangements can be accepted.

Entitlement to Childcare Subsidy and OSCAR is assessed first. If the total cost of childcare is not covered by the subsidy the client can receive the additional income exemption.

The exemption would be the lesser of:

• $20 per week or
• the cost of childcare not covered by a subsidy

The exemption only applies for the weeks the sole parent pays for childcare while they are working.