How to Transfer FTB from a Parent to a Grandparent at Centrelink

One of the most frustrating situations a grandparent carer faces: the child has been living with you for weeks, you're paying for everything, and the biological parent is still collecting Family Tax Benefit for a child who isn't in their home. Centrelink won't automatically detect the change — you have to trigger it.

Lodge Your FTB Claim Immediately

The moment a grandchild comes into your care, lodge your own claim for Family Tax Benefit. Don't wait for the situation to "settle" or for the birth parent to voluntarily cancel their claim. Your payment start date is your claim date, so every day you delay is money you won't get back.

Claim through myGov linked to your Centrelink account, or lodge paper Form FA001 at a service centre. If another person is already claiming FTB for the child, Services Australia can assess the care arrangement and determine each person's share.

What Happens When Both People Claim

When Centrelink receives a second FTB claim for a child who's already in someone else's record and care is disputed, Services Australia assesses the arrangement under the care rules in the A New Tax System (Family Assistance) Act 1999.

The decision-maker assesses care based on:

• Where the child sleeps (the night-by-night count)
• Who manages daily routines — school runs, meals, medical appointments
• Third-party evidence from schools, doctors, and community contacts
• Any parenting orders or child protection documentation

You do not need to contact the birth parent about this. You don't need their agreement, their signature, or their cooperation. Services Australia assesses the care arrangement using the available evidence.

The Privacy Protection You Should Know About

Centrelink protects your address and contact details under strict privacy protocols during a care dispute. The birth parent won't be told where you live or how to reach you through Centrelink records. If there's a safety concern — domestic violence, substance abuse, threats — mention this when you lodge your claim and ask about heightened privacy protection or a file lock.

Evidence That Supports Your Claim

When you don't have a court order, Centrelink needs proof of physical care. Independent evidence can help support the arrangement. Examples include:

• A statutory declaration from you describing when the child arrived and your daily care arrangements
• School enrolment documentation showing your address as the child's home
• A letter from the child's GP confirming you bring the child to appointments
• A letter from the school principal confirming you are the primary contact
• Any correspondence from a state child protection department about the placement

Independent sources such as school or medical letters can help substantiate your declaration.

What If the Birth Parent Disputes It?

If the parent tells Centrelink they still have the child, Services Australia assesses the care arrangement using objective evidence, including where the child sleeps and who manages daily care.

Ask Services Australia how your payment will be handled while the assessment is pending and how the decision affects payment dates or any overpayment.

If the assessment is taking longer than expected, call the Grandparent, Foster and Kinship Carer Adviser line on 1800 245 965 for case assistance and ask what information or next step is outstanding.

Don't Wait for a Court Order

The most common mistake is believing you need a court order before Centrelink will assess your FTB claim. You don't. Federal family assistance considers actual care, not legal custody alone. A grandparent providing 35 percent or more care may claim FTB if the other eligibility rules are met; a parenting order is evidence of care but is not a prerequisite.

Our Centrelink Payments for Grandparents guide walks through the FTB transfer alongside every other claim in the sequence, including what evidence to prepare before you start the process.

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