Families Urged to Act Before 30 June
Over 400,000 Australian families must confirm their income with Centrelink before 30 June to avoid losing payments. Services Australia issued the reminder as thousands risk missing out on the Family Tax Benefit (FTB) or Child Care Subsidy (CCS). More than 170,000 families receiving FTB and 240,000 on CCS have not yet confirmed their income. The government has urged these families to act immediately.
Unconfirmed Income Means Lost Payments
Families who do not confirm their income may lose top-up payments, yearly supplements or even face repayment demands. “You wouldn’t leave money sitting on your front porch, would you?” Services Australia stated. “Yet, that’s effectively what thousands of families are doing by not confirming their income with Centrelink.”
Consequences for Family Tax Benefit Recipients
FTB recipients must confirm income or face multiple financial consequences after the deadline. They may have to repay some or all of the FTB received in 2023–24. They will also lose any potential top-up, arrears or supplement payments. Families planning to lodge a lump sum claim must do so before 30 June. After this date, the claim will not be accepted.
Child Care Subsidy Could Drop to Zero
For CCS recipients, the implications are also serious and immediate. Families who fail to confirm their income will see CCS payments stop. From 7 July 2025, the CCS will reduce to 0 per cent for these families. That means families will pay full child care fees unless they confirm their income.
Steps Required to Confirm Income
- Lodge your 2023–24 tax return via the ATO, or
- If you’re not required to lodge, use your Centrelink online account via myGov or the Express Plus Centrelink app (select More > Advise tax non-lodgement).
Services Australia Reaches Out
Services Australia has already contacted families to remind them of this obligation. However, many families have not yet responded. Officials recommend acting now to avoid last-minute issues. If individuals are unsure whether they need to lodge a return, they should contact the Families line. Staff can help clarify requirements and provide appropriate options.
Balancing Income to Secure Payments
Each financial year, Services Australia undertakes a process called balancing. The agency compares a family’s estimated income with their actual income. Most families overestimate their income, which usually results in top-up payments or supplements. Confirming income ensures families receive what they are entitled to. Without this confirmation, funds will remain unclaimed.
Reminder to Use Official Platforms
Families must only use approved methods to confirm their income. Services Australia advised using the Centrelink online account through myGov or the Centrelink app. “If you don’t need to lodge a tax return, you can confirm your family income by advising Services Australia,” the agency stated. The process ensures records are updated and payments calculated correctly.
Officials Emphasise Importance of Deadline
Government officials continue to urge families to complete this process before 30 June. Delays beyond that date could lead to loss of benefits and increased out-of-pocket expenses. The government has highlighted the risk of families missing out on hundreds or thousands of dollars.
Centrelink and ATO Systems Ready
Centrelink and the ATO systems are fully operational to handle submissions and declarations. Families are encouraged to complete the process as soon as possible. Early action avoids delays and ensures access to entitled funds.
Millions in Payments Rely on Compliance
Services Australia confirmed the significance of this financial year’s balancing process. With more than 400,000 families at risk, millions in government payments remain unclaimed. Officials stressed the need for families to secure their benefits promptly.
Families Should Avoid Financial Penalties
Missing the deadline can cause financial strain for families already managing rising costs. Government assistance like FTB and CCS supports daily living and child care expenses. Confirming income protects these supports and ensures continuity of care and financial relief.
Final Reminder Issued Nationwide
This is the final nationwide reminder for families receiving Centrelink payments. The 30 June deadline remains firm and extensions are not guaranteed. Families must take action today to confirm their details and secure their financial entitlements.
