More than 400,000 Australian families receiving Family Tax Benefit (FTB) and Child Care Subsidy (CCS) have only weeks left to confirm their income for the 2023–24 financial year. Failure to meet the June 30 deadline could result in lost payments or unexpected debts, according to Services Australia.
This annual income confirmation process, known as balancing, ensures families receive the correct amount of support. Many risk missing out on top-up payments or having to repay funds if they do not lodge their tax returns or advise non-lodgement by the deadline.
Deadline Importance and Consequences of Missing It
Services Australia has reminded recipients that confirming their income by June 30, 2025, is essential to securing their full entitlements to FTB and CCS. Over 170,000 families receiving Family Tax Benefit and 240,000 receiving the Child Care Subsidy have yet to complete this step, according to official figures.
Families who miss the deadline may face several repercussions. For FTB recipients, failure to confirm income might mean repaying some or all of the benefits received during the financial year.
Additionally, they will lose access to any top-up, arrears, or supplement payments. Those planning to lodge lump sum claims must do so before June 30, as late submissions will not be accepted.
For families receiving the Child Care Subsidy, unconfirmed income will lead to a cessation of payments. From July 7, 2025, the subsidy rate will reduce to zero, requiring parents to pay full child care fees. This could cause significant financial strain, particularly for families relying heavily on this support.
How to Confirm Income and Why It Matters
Confirming income is done either by lodging a tax return with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) or advising Services Australia if a tax return is not required.
This can be completed via a Centrelink online account on myGov or through the Express Plus Centrelink mobile app. The app allows users to select ‘Advise tax non-lodgement’ if they are exempt from filing a tax return.
According to Services Australia, this balancing process compares a family’s estimated income submitted earlier in the year with their actual income once tax returns are finalised. Most families tend to overestimate their income, which often leads to top-up payments being issued after the financial year concludes.
The income confirmation also helps avoid overpayments, which can create debts that families must repay. Services Australia advises families to keep their income estimates accurate and report all sources of income, including government payments.
With the June 30 deadline fast approaching, families receiving FTB or CCS are strongly urged to confirm their income promptly to ensure they receive all payments they are entitled to and to avoid unexpected financial consequences.
