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This topic outlines the qualification criteria for the foster child HCC, as well as the following related issues:
A HCC can be claimed by, and issued to the carer of any child who is in FOSTER CARE where the:
Note: While the HCC is claimed by the carer, it is issued only in the name of the child, and is solely for the benefit of the child.
Act reference: SSAct section 7(2) An Australian resident is a person who:...
FAAct section 22 When an individual is an FTB child of another individual, section 3(1)-'regular care child'
A child is considered to be in foster care where:
Foster care refers to both FORMAL and INFORMAL care arrangements:
Note: A foster child who is living away from the foster carer in order to study can still be regarded as being in foster care.
Example: At a boarding school.
In order to qualify for a foster child HCC, the foster child must meet the same requirements as those for an 'FTB child' or an 'RC child'. The definition of an FTB child is set out in FAAct section 22. Exceptions to the definition are set out in section 22A. The definition of an RC child is in FAAct section 3.
Example 1: A foster child aged 21 to 24 years must be in full-time study to meet the FTB child requirements and qualify for a foster child HCC.
Example 2: A child's casual income must be under a certain amount to meet FTB child requirements and qualify for a foster child HCC.
Act reference: SSAct section 1061ZO(5) Qualification for foster child HCC
FAAct section 22 When an individual is an FTB child of another individual, section 3-'regular care child'
The measure to provide foster children with HCCs was introduced to assist FAMILIES and INDIVIDUALS who take up foster care. Only a 'natural person' (as the foster carer) can be an 'Australian resident' and meet the HCC qualification criteria. An ACO is not a natural person and so cannot assist a child to qualify for the HCC. Where a claim for a foster child HCC is identified as being made by, or on behalf of an ACO, the claim must be rejected.
Note: Children who are residing in ACOs may be eligible for a LIC in certain circumstances.
Act reference: SSAct section 1061ZO(2) - (4) Qualification for low income HCC
Policy reference: SS Guide 3.9.1.20 Qualification for Low Income HCC, 3.9.1.40 HCC Provisions for Children & Dependants
FA Guide 1.1.R.21 Regular care child
From 1 July 2001 foster carers were no longer required to receive FTB for a foster child in order for the child to obtain a HCC. The SS050 (HCC claim) form can be used to claim either a low-income HCC or a foster child HCC. A foster child HCC can be claimed regardless of whether a foster child appears as a dependent on any other concession card. The foster child HCC is issued for a period of 26 weeks. Recipients are required to advise Centrelink if a notifiable event occurs during that period. Cards are automatically reissued at the end of the initial period until such time as a notifiable event causes cessation of the card.
Policy reference: SS Guide 3.9.1.90 Notification & Recipient Obligations for HCC
In recognition of the difficulties often faced by foster carers in providing POI for the foster children in their care, alternative POI arrangements are available. A letter of introduction or identity verification from a relevant agency is acceptable alternative POI for children in foster care, or a foster family accessing a HCC.
Foster child HCCs can remain current if the holder departs Australia temporarily.
Act reference: SSAct section 1061ZO(5) Qualification for foster child HCC
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Last reviewed: 1 July 2008
