Approved Carer/Registered Carer

[Ginger]

hello, does anyone know what the difference is between an approved and registered carer and what the financial rebate differences are between the two?

[sunflowa_girlie]

We're going through the paperwork for permanent foster care at the moment, and they talked a bit about it at our info session.

I think, if you've gone through DCP and done their training courses, been assessed etc, then you are an approved carer. However, if you've gone through an agency to be a carer, like Anglicare, then you're a registered carer. Does that make sense?

This is just what I'm thinking, don't take it as law I have no idea about the financial side of things, maybe BG would know?

HTH anyway hun

[MantaRay]

Do you mean for child care Ginger?

If so, an approved carer is the one where you get a higher amount for Child Care Benefit, but it is income tested so if you earn too much you get none. And with approved care you also get the Child Care Tax Rebate if both partners are working or studying. The registered care is where you only get money back if you are both working or studying and it's not income tested at all, but it's not a big amount that you get back.

[sunflowa_girlie]

LOL, of course you meant childcare - man do I feel like a dork!

[Kate07]

Sunflowa

I thought the same as you the first time i read it, and started to write a post, then had second thoughts. So, i guess i'm a dork too. Just depends where your experience lies.

[Lulu]

Child Care Centres are generally Approved Carers. Registered Carers can be grandparents etc, so if your mum wanted to look after bubs a few days a week you could get a small rebate.

[ausgirl]

Registered carers get CCB - like child care centres and some family day care. The registered part means they have to pass certain rules and accreditation in order to retain their registered status.

[Liz]

Our preschool is registered (I think) so with both of us working we would just get the %rate of reduced fees back, but not the 50% rebate.

[briggsy's girl]

sorry Ausgirl - anyone can be a registered carer. as was mentioned, grandparents can be registered carers. essentially anyone can register so that the parents get a small rebate (it's just over 50c an hour). both parents must meet the work/study/training test for minimum 15 hours per week and there is a maximum 24 hours rebated per child per week. you pay in advance and provide receipts to claim your rebate (most people do this each term). some kindergartens are set up as registered carers so that some of the fees are rebated

approved care are your bigger child care centres - they are the ones that have been through formal accreditation. the CCB paid on this is paid based on parental income, and they get a percentage of a basic rate (around $4 give or take per hour). parents can opt to have this paid direct to the child care centre and pay reduced fees, or get a lump sum a the end of the financial year. EVERYONE is entitled to CCB for up to 24 hours per week. those meeting the work/study/training test for over 15 hours will qualify for up to 50 hours (and, if work needs demand it and can be proved, this may be increased). those meeting the work/study/training test will also qualify for the child care rebate (half out of pocket costs rebated each quarter to a maximum of, i think, 7k per child per annum)

[Liz]

ugh... see I never get the same answer twice. When I rang up to ask about the registered care... they said I wouldn't get the 50% rebate.. yep.. knew that.. then they asked me if I had been given my percentage rate (26% or whatever it is) as that's all I would receive. grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

But yep.. looking at the website.. it's maximum $0.602 per hour.

BG - when they say maximum 60c.. when do you get less than that? Is it still income based? or is it just flat 60c?

[briggsy's girl]

they say max 60c as it will vary depending on whether they meet work/study/training test (get nothing if they don't) or if they go over the 24 hour limit (again, they get nothing)

so they have to say it's a maximum amount rather than a flat amount... hope that makes sense

[Marydean]

The registered care thing is pathetic. I sent in receipts for $70 worth of care...received a cheque back for $2.70. Well that will go far

[Ginger]

thanks for all your help guys. the place i am looking at sending ds to is a montessori kinder and apparantely it's classified as a registered carer so i'm hardly going to get back anything. a bit disappointing. i didn't really want to put him in childcare, so to speak, just wanted him to go to the kindy a couple of hours a week but it;s looking like it might be quite exxy.

[ausgirl]

Originally Posted by briggsy's girl

sorry Ausgirl - anyone can be a registered carer. as was mentioned, grandparents can be registered carers. essentially anyone can register so that the parents get a small rebate (it's just over 50c an hour). both parents must meet the work/study/training test for minimum 15 hours per week and there is a maximum 24 hours rebated per child per week. you pay in advance and provide receipts to claim your rebate (most people do this each term). some kindergartens are set up as registered carers so that some of the fees are rebated

approved care are your bigger child care centres - they are the ones that have been through formal accreditation. the CCB paid on this is paid based on parental income, and they get a percentage of a basic rate (around $4 give or take per hour). parents can opt to have this paid direct to the child care centre and pay reduced fees, or get a lump sum a the end of the financial year. EVERYONE is entitled to CCB for up to 24 hours per week. those meeting the work/study/training test for over 15 hours will qualify for up to 50 hours (and, if work needs demand it and can be proved, this may be increased). those meeting the work/study/training test will also qualify for the child care rebate (half out of pocket costs rebated each quarter to a maximum of, i think, 7k per child per annum)

Ah sorry, got it the wrong way round.

[briggsy's girl]

that's ok - it's crappy labelling - approved care has to be registered, registered just has to be approved! typical isn't it?

[ausgirl]

I,m the director of a ldc so you'd think I'd know lol!

[snugglybean]

Originally Posted by ausgirl

I,m the director of a ldc so you'd think I'd know lol!

You're not alone!
I am director of an ldc AND a registered carer, and this one was too tricky for me!
I left it in BG's more than capable hands...

[Trillian]

G, you will only be able to claim it if you are working or studying.