Families are now able to self-manage their Family Tax Benefit Advance repayments online or at Australia Post.
The new flexible payment options allow families to make additional repayments when and where it suits them.
Repayments made online, via the app or at Australia Post are updated in near real-time so families can keep track of their balance.
Advance payments provide families with an upfront portion of the Family Tax Benefit Part A payment to help them meet essential one-off unexpected expenses. The advance amount is repaid from future family tax benefit payments.
There are two types of advance payments families can apply for:
- One-off advances – can be requested any time and are limited to a maximum of $1,110.69.
- Regular advances – are paid automatically every 26 weeks and is currently $178.75.
Last financial year more than 900,000 advance payments were accessed by families and more than 500,000 of these requests were submitted online or over the phone.
Minister for Human Services Alan Tudge said the Government’s investment in online and digital services is making it simpler for families to manage their FTB repayments when and where it suits them.
“Managing a family budget can take some juggling and advance payments can provide the extra assistance people need when unexpected expenses arise,” Minister Tudge said.
“We know families prefer to do their business online and digitally, so I’m pleased the Department now offers families flexible repayment options using their preferred methods.
“There has never been better investment in IT and digital services than what is taking place right now under the Turnbull Government – this is making it much easier to do business with Government and saving time for busy Australians.”
These changes are just one element of the Government’s service delivery transformation – which also includes the billion dollar WPIT programme, upgraded myGov site, new $600 million telephony system, the streamlining of other welfare payment claims, 250 new call centre staff and other measures to reduce call wait times and improving processing efficiencies.