Thousands of Australian grandparents are raising their grandchildren, often while managing their own retirement expenses, but financial assistance worth hundreds of dollars a fortnight could be available to those who qualify.

Looking after the grandchildren means school pickups, weekend sleepovers and the occasional rescue mission when Mum or Dad needs a hand. But for thousands of older Australians, grandparenting has become something else entirely: they’re raising children all over again, sometimes unexpectedly, and shouldering the financial responsibilities that come with it.

According to the 2021 Census, more than 60,000 Australian families had grandparents raising their grandchildren and with household budgets already stretched, Services Australia is reminding those carers that financial assistance may be available, including payments of up to $306.46 per child each fortnight.

Who qualifies for financial help?

There’s an important distinction between regularly babysitting grandchildren and taking on responsibility for raising them. Grandparents providing ongoing care and making everyday decisions about a child’s welfare may qualify for Family Tax Benefit, even without formal custody arrangements.

Family Tax Benefit Part A currently pays up to $235.48 per fortnight for children aged 12 and under, rising to $306.46 for eligible children aged 13 to 19.

The amount depends on household income, the child’s age and individual circumstances.

Family Tax Benefit Part B may provide additional assistance, with maximum payments of $200.34 per family each fortnight when the youngest child is under five.

These are existing, means-tested payments, not a new government bonus.

There’s more help available

Grandparents who are primary carers and receive an eligible income support payment may also qualify for Additional Child Care Subsidy Grandparent.

This can provide up to 100 hours of subsidised childcare per fortnight, potentially covering the full fee depending on the childcare provider’s charges.

Another lesser-known benefit is the Foster Child Health Care Card, which may help grandchildren access cheaper medicines and other concessions.

Importantly, grandparents don’t necessarily need to be registered foster carers to qualify. Services Australia general manager Hank Jongen says grandparents who have stepped into a primary caring role should investigate their options, whether their arrangements are formal or informal.

Specialist Grandparent, Foster and Kinship Carer Advisers can explain available payments and help families navigate Centrelink requirements.

For grandparents finding themselves back at the school gate, packing lunches and stretching their retirement income to feed another growing family, it’s worth checking what assistance they might be entitled to.

For more information: Visit Services Australia’s grandparent carer support page.