The minister for Human Services has advised that, from 1 July 2009, FTB will be delivered through the Family Assistance Office (FAO) via Centrelink and Medicare Australia.

This means people will no longer be able to claim Family Assistance payments thought the ATO.

It is expected that the changes will have little impact on most families, who will still be able to claim FTB as a fortnightly payment or a lump sum payment through the FAO.

Letters are being sent to ‘customers’ who claimed FTB through the ATO for the 2006/07 financial year (which represents 7% of all FTB claims).

Families can lodge claims for FTB with the FAO at any Centrelink Customer Service Centre or Medicare Australia office, or online at www.familyassist.gov.au.