We regularly hear from parents who tell us that they were not aware they were entitled to Family Tax Benefits for their unvaccinated or partially vaccinated children, due to the No Jab, No Pay law.
This is likely due to the deliberate misinformation found on the Services Australia website. For example, a page on the Services Australia website states “your child must meet immunisation requirements if you get Family Tax Benefit (FTB) Part A”.
This is incorrect.
The facts about family assistance payments and vaccination
In the table below is a list of the different types of family assistance payments (which parents may be eligible for depending on their individual circumstances such as income level), and whether or not a vaccination requirement applies, current as at 21 October 2024.
| Benefit/Subsidy | Vaccination Requirement |
|---|---|
| Family Tax Benefit A | No, however, if your child is unvaccinated (or partially vaccinated), or has not undergone a 4 year old health check (or both) your Family Tax Benefit A will be reduced by $34.44 per fortnight per child. You will continue to be eligible for the remainder of your Family Tax Benefit A entitlement even if your child remains unvaccinated. |
| Family Tax Benefit A supplement | No |
| Family Tax Benefit B | No |
| Family Tax Benefit B supplement | No |
| Childcare Subsidy | Yes |
In a nutshell, your Family Tax Benefit A entitlement will be reduced by $34.44 per fortnight per child if your child is unvaccinated, or partially vaccinated, however, you will continue to be eligible for the remainder of your Family Tax Benefit A entitlement even if your child remains unvaccinated.
If you receive your Family Tax Benefits yearly, your Family Tax Benefit A component will be reduced by $34.44 x 26, approximately.
Medical contraindication to vaccination or other exemption
Please note that if your child has a medical contraindication to vaccination or is eligible for another type of vaccination exemption permitted under the legislation, then your Family Tax Benefit A will not be reduced. Please visit our No Jab, No Pay page for details of all available exemptions.
Source:
A New Tax System (Family Assistance) Act 1999
section 61A Reduction in FTB child rate unless health check requirement satisfied
section 61B Reduction in FTB child rate unless immunisation requirements satisfied
Schedule 1 – section 7(2) or (3) or 26(3) or (4) *
* The reduction rate provided in Schedule 1 is $737.30 per annum, which equates to approximately $28.36 per fortnight, but is subject to indexation. The current reduction rate, after indexation is $34.44 per fortnight.
Disclaimer
All information contained herein was, to the author’s knowledge, correct at the time of writing, but please note, this information is not intended to constitute legal advice about eligibility for government subsidies or benefits. Parents should verify all information with Services Australia.