What happens if a child is no longer eligible for the Working Parent Entitlements and what is a Grace Period?

Families who fall out of eligibility will receive what is called a Grace Period. This is an extended period of time where a child receives the Working Parent Entitlement so parents can either reconfirm the code or find employment.

Once the grace period has lapsed, parents who do not meet eligibility will lose access to the Working Parent Entitlement. In these circumstances parents may have to pay for their childcare but should also consider other options for help with childcare costs:

• 2 year olds – Think2 – funding for families not in work, low income or receiving additional government support.
• 3 and 4 year olds – Universal Hours - families who lose the extra 15 hours that made up 30 hours, will revert back to being eligible for just the universal 15 hours.
• Additional Support for childcare costs can be viewed at Childcare Choices

Parents should be advised that they may not be able to access their Working Parent Entitlement if they move childcare provider or child starts a funded place when already in the Grace Period.

Parents who re-apply to Childcare Choices after the grace period will be able to access the Working Parent Entitlements from the term after a re-application has been made.