Budget fact sheets 2008 - more support for caregivers
The Government is investing an additional $24.6 million over four years in assistance to caregivers who care for children who cannot be looked after by their parents.
The increases recognise the additional costs that Unsupported Child’s Benefit (UCB) and Orphan’s Benefit (OB) caregivers face in caring for other people’s children.
From 1 April 2009, the UCB and OB weekly rates will be increased to align with the Foster Care Allowance (FCA) weekly board rates.
| Age of Child | Weekly UCB/OB rate from 1 April 2008 | Weekly UCB/OB rate from 1 April 2009 |
|---|---|---|
| 0-4 | $121.50 | $127.99 |
| 5-9 | $139.73 | $148.53 |
| 10-13 | $148.83 | $163.91 |
| 14+ | $157.92 | $179.19 |
The above figures do not take into account the annual CPI increase that will be applied from 1 April 2009.
UCB recipients who are receiving the Care Supplement will not see an increase in the assistance they receive because the Care Supplement already tops up their assistance to the FCA level.
Caregivers currently receiving the Care Supplement will still receive an increase in assistance from 1 April 2009 from the annual CPI adjustment.
