As June 30 approaches, more than 400,000 Australian families risk missing out on vital Centrelink cash benefits if they fail to confirm their income in time.
This includes families receiving the Family Tax Benefit (FTB) and the Child Care Subsidy (CCS). Centrelink is sending a clear message: “Get what’s yours”—but you need to act now.
Why Income Confirmation Is Critical
Each financial year, Centrelink carries out a process known as balancing, where they compare your estimated income with your actual earnings.
If this is not confirmed, your benefit payments may be reduced, stopped, or even reclaimed. For many families, failure to act by the June 30 deadline means losing out on arrears, top-ups, or supplements.
Who’s Affected?
More than 170,000 families receiving the Family Tax Benefit and 240,000 families getting the Child Care Subsidy have yet to confirm their income for the 2023–24 financial year. If you’re receiving either or both of these benefits, it’s critical to take immediate action.
Consequences of Missing the June 30 Deadline
Here’s what can happen if you fail to confirm your income by June 30:
For Family Tax Benefit (FTB) Recipients:
- You may have to repay all or part of your FTB from 2023–24.
- You will lose any top-up or supplement payments you were entitled to.
- You’ll miss the deadline to lodge a lump sum claim.
For Child Care Subsidy (CCS) Recipients:
- Your CCS will stop entirely.
- Your subsidy rate will drop to 0% from July 7, 2025, meaning you must pay the full child care fees out-of-pocket.
How to Confirm Your Family Income
Confirming your income is simple and can be done in two ways:
- Lodge your 2023–24 tax return with the ATO. Once processed, your actual income will be updated automatically.
- If you’re not required to lodge a tax return, you must inform Centrelink via:
- Your Centrelink online account through myGov.
- The Express Plus Centrelink app, by selecting “More” then “Advise tax non-lodgement.”
If you had a partner during the financial year, both of you must confirm your incomes—even if your relationship has since ended.
| Requirement | Deadline | Consequence if Missed |
|---|---|---|
| Confirm income for Family Tax Benefit | June 30, 2025 | May need to repay FTB, lose top-ups/supplements |
| Confirm income for Child Care Subsidy | June 30, 2025 | CCS will stop, subsidy set to 0%, full fees to be paid |
| Partner’s income confirmation | June 30, 2025 | Required for proper income balancing and benefit calculation |
What You Should Do Right Now
- Check if you need to lodge a tax return. If yes, do so as soon as possible.
- If not required, log in to Centrelink through myGov or the app and declare that you don’t need to lodge.
- Ensure both your and your partner’s incomes are confirmed if applicable.
- Act before June 30 to prevent delays, repayment obligations, or missed payments.
The message is simple: Don’t leave money on the table. With over 400,000 Australians still unconfirmed, Centrelink is urging all eligible families to act fast.
Whether you receive FTB, CCS, or both—confirm your income by June 30 and make sure you receive every dollar you’re entitled to. Taking just a few minutes today could prevent major financial headaches later.
FAQs
What happens if I confirm after June 30?
You may lose eligibility for top-ups, supplements, and lump sum claims. CCS payments could also be suspended or reduced.
Can I still confirm income if my partner and I separated during the year?
Yes. Both incomes still need to be reported for the relevant period. If you’re unsure how, contact Centrelink for clarification.
What if I’m not required to lodge a tax return?
You must still inform Centrelink using your online account or app to prevent delays or benefit stoppage.