"Protecting early childhood education is vital for individuals' lifelong well-being and the sustainability of our economy", said Minister of Economy and Labour Jason Hayward, "And so, as promised in the Speech from the Throne to expand the pool of persons eligible for the Child Day Care Allowance benefit, I am happy to advise that applications for the new and improved child day care allowance are now available for collection from the Department of Financial Assistance."
The public will recall Minister Hayward's announcement in the House of Assembly advising that as part of Financial Assistance Reform, the Child Day Care Allowance Amendment Regulations 2023 will increase the value of awards and expand the pool of persons eligible for benefits by introducing a new tiered, financial award system for child day care services with eligibility based on annual gross household income.
Scheduled to commence on 1st October 2023, the income categories and maximum monthly allowance that may be granted to an eligible child are as follows:
Category 1: Anyone with an annual gross household income of $65,000 or less may qualify for a maximum monthly allowance of $900 per child.
Category 2: Anyone with an annual gross household income of $65,001 up to $97,000 may be eligible for a maximum monthly allowance of $700 per child.
Category 3: Anyone whose annual gross household income is $97,001 up to $130,000 may be eligible for a maximum monthly allowance of $500 per child.
Reforming the award structure will help households cope with rising day care costs and minimize the risk of families deciding between child day care services and employment. This additional support is paramount to supporting households and ensuring children are on a developmental continuum from the earliest years.
Minister Hayward continued, "Ensuring families have access to childcare is critical as it allows children to develop the social, emotional, and cognitive skills required for success at the primary school level and beyond."