As announced in the Australian Government’s 2008-09 Federal Budget, new legislation will be introduced in early 2009 to make Family Tax Benefit (FTB) no longer payable through the Australian Taxation Office from 1 July 2009.

What does this mean for you This means that the way you claim FTB has changed from 1 July 2009 onwards. This includes claims for the 2008-09 financial year. The changes are:

• You will no longer be able to claim a lump sum payment for FTB through the Australian Taxation Office, when you lodge your tax return.

• FTB top-up payments will not be included on your Taxation Notice of Assessment.

How to claim for the 2008-09 financial year You have two options for claiming FTB through Medicare Australia or Centrelink:

1. Lodge a lump sum claim after the end of the financial year for the 2008-09 year. It is important to remember you will not receive any payment until you and/or your partner have lodged your Income Tax Return for the same financial year as the claim.

2. Lodge a claim for fortnightly payments, based on an estimate of your income.

You can do this:

• Online at www.familyassist.gov.au or

• By lodging a paper claim form in person at a Medicare Australia Office or a Centrelink Customer Service Centre.

Information you should know

If you have not previously claimed a payment through Medicare Australia or Centrelink, you may need to:

• Verify your residency, and

• Provide proof of birth for any children not previously claimed for through Medicare Australia or Centrelink.

If you have any questions or would like more information about these changes, please phone Centrelink on 13 6150.