In addition to the New Child Care Package, the Federal Government has also released details on the Exceptional Circumstance Supplementary Relief Payment that will be available to providers.

The exceptional circumstance Supplementary Relief Payment (supplementary payment) is available for providers/services who need a ‘top up’ on the Early Childhood Education and Care Package payment (base relief payment) the provider/service is already getting through the Early Childhood Education and Care Relief Package to ensure the service remains viable.

So how do you apply to get a higher payment?

Providers will need to complete an online form here: dese.gov.au/covid-19/childhood.

You will also need to provide supporting reasons and evidence with the application. This could be:

• the reference period did not accurately reflect your usual situation – for example, you did not provide care for some of the reference fortnight OR
• you need more support for the children currently in your care and or
• you are caring for more children, more often or for a longer time.

 

What will the department take into consideration?

The Department will take into account:

• whether the provider/service is eligible for JobKeeper Payment – if you are eligible, this wage subsidy must be passed on to eligible workers (and will be backdated to 30 March 2020)
• how many children you are providing care for and how often
  • the number of children actually attending your provider/service
  • the hours of care being provided.

If the provider/service is caring for the same number or more children than during the reference period, this would be relevant to the department in considering whether supplementary payment should be made.

When will the provider/service know if their application is successful?

If approved, supplementary payment is added to the base relief payment. This is paid in the following week after approval.

Separately, a supplementary top up payment, covering any period between when the application was received and the decision made, will be paid.

Details of this package continue to be released and it is important to ensure that you have all the information in order to make the most informed decision for Services.

We’re here to help you navigate this new package and determine the best way forward for your business and Services.

Why not give Managing Director Jane a call to discuss all your options – 02 8123 2300.

Share