Baby Bonus

The Baby Bonus paid by the ATO

If you had a child, or adopted a child, born in Australia , between 1st July 2001 and the 30th June 2004 then you could be eligible for the Baby Bonus

The baby bonus is a refundable tax offset – even if you do not pay tax, do not have any income or do not have to lodge a tax return, you can still claim it. The baby bonus is paid whether or not you currently get any other family benefits. Usually, it is the mother of the child who is eligible for the baby bonus.

How much baby bonus you get depends on your own taxable income each year. If your taxable income is $25,000 or less you will be entitled to a minimum annual amount of $500. You may get less in the first year, as the baby bonus is calculated from the baby's date of birth (or the date you gained legal responsibility for your child). If your taxable income is more than $25,000, you will only get the baby bonus if your income has reduced.

 You may get more than $500 if there has been a significant reduction in your taxable income.

We have found that thousands of single parents who do not need to lodge a tax return, have missed out on this Baby Bonus.