Changes to Baby Bonus

From 1 September 2012, the amount paid for customers who claim and are eligible for Baby Bonus will be $5,000. The amount of Baby Bonus you can receive will remain at $5,000 until 30 June 2015.

Question: Who will be affected by this measure?

Answer: Customers with a newborn or recently adopted child who are eligible for Baby Bonus from 1 September 2012.

Question: When will the changes be implemented?

Answer: You can continue to receive the current rate of Baby Bonus ($5,437) until 31 August 2012. The new rate of Baby Bonus will change to $5,000 from 1 September 2012.

Question: How will the new Baby Bonus amount be paid?

Answer: The new rate of Baby Bonus will still be paid in 13 fortnightly instalments. From 1 September 2012, the first fortnightly instalment will be $846 and the subsequent 12 instalments will be $346.

Question: Do I need to do anything?

Answer: No.  Changes to the Baby Bonus will not affect your current eligibility, how you apply for the Baby Bonus or your reporting obligations.

If you think you may be eligible for the Baby Bonus and Paid Parental Leave, check the Paid Parental Leave Comparison Estimator to help you decide which payment will be best for your family.