What is the Economic Security Strategy Payment?
The Economic Security Strategy Payment is:
- $1,000 for each eligible Family Tax Benefit Part A child;
- not taxable income and is not considered income for social security or family assistance purposes; and
- not ongoing.
How much is the Economic Security Strategy Payment?
The Economic Security Strategy payment is a $1,000 lump sum payment for each eligible Family Tax Benefit Part A child.
Can I get the Economic Security Strategy Payment?
You can get the payment if, on 14 October 2008:
- You were receiving fortnightly payments of Family Tax Benefit Part A; or
- You were entitled to Family Tax Benefit Part A, but you chose to defer your payment to the end of the year under a payment option.
You can also get the ESS payment if you were receiving fortnightly Youth Allowance, Abstudy or a Veterans' Children Education Scheme allowance for a dependent child.
Please note: If Youth Allowance is paid directly to your child, the additional payment will also be paid directly to your child.
If you share the care of your child or children and have at least 35 per cent care you may be entitled to a portion of the payment. The payment will be shared according to the Family Tax Benefit percentage of each child.
What if I don't get fortnightly payments?
If you claim your Family Tax Benefit Part A as a lump sum at the end of the financial year, the payment will be made at the same time as your Family Tax Benefit Part A payment.
Please note: If you were eligible for Family Tax Benefit Part A on 14 October 2008 and you would like the payment earlier you can change to fortnightly payments.
You can change the way you get your payments by:
Who is not eligible for the Economic Security Strategy Payment (FTB Part A)?
If you get Family Tax Benefit Part B only or you are an approved care organisation, you are not eligible for the Economic Security Strategy Payment.
How do I get the Economic Security Strategy Payment?
You do not have to do anything to get the payment as payments are made automatically.
You can check if you have been paid the payment using the view your payment history online service.
For further information on Economic Security Strategy payments, contact us.