I’ve been in a similar situation with Centrelink before. Unfortunately, for Family Tax Benefit, they do require you to lodge a separate claim initially, even if they have your income details. It’s frustrating because they don’t make that super clear! I’ve heard some people have managed to get back pay if they had a valid reason, but it usually needs to be a strong one, like a serious illness or something that genuinely prevented you from lodging. It might still be worth reaching out to Centrelink and explaining the situation- you never know, and sometimes you get a more understanding case officer who can help.

Centrelink are an absolute nightmare to deal with, i believe you can appeal any decisions they make but it will be a fight

Yes dear old Centrelink I remember spending over 2 hours just waiting on the phone for someone to answer and then finally got told to make a appointment to see someone in person which I had to wait like over 3 weeks to see them

It can be a hassle and time consuming and each year you have to update your financial income using my gov because this calculates your FTB for all kids attending school and child care like me.Always alert them if your circumstances change like for me I stop using school aftercare services and this gets done by ringing into centrelink

We always find it helpful to pay Centrelink a visit in person

You may be eligible for FTB Part A if you care for a dependent child who’s either:

0 to 15 years of age
16 to 19 years of age and meets the study requirements.

You must also meet all the following:

an income test
residence rules
care for the child at least 35% of the time.

Your child also needs to meet immunisation requirements and Healthy Start for School requirements, if they apply. We may reduce your FTB Part A payment per fortnight for each child who doesn’t meet these.

When we balance your payments after the financial year you may get a FTB Part A supplement. If you didn’t get enough FTB during the year, you may also get a top up.

To get the FTB Part A supplement your family’s adjusted taxable income must be $80,000 or less.

You may be able to receive Family Tax Benefit (FTB) Part B if you’re a single parent, a grandparent carer, or if you’re a member of a couple with one main income.

Maybe a face to face discussion with them may assist.

I get my FBT after I file my tax return every year automatically BUT i’m not sure if I initially applied for it or not?

Everyone’s circumstances are different so it is hard to know really. I receive FTB and have been for a couple of years now without issues. I would either give them a call (make a cup of tea because it is usually a long wait time) or go into a branch and that way if you haven’t completed all the necessary forms they can help guide you. I do recall when i applied for FTB, there were a lot of forms to complete so best to seek advice directly from Centrelink to ensure you are obtaining the right advice.

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Centrelink is hard. I’ve had one lady tell me I was eligible for FTB then when I went back with supporting documents that she’d told me to get, I got another lady who told me I wasn’t eligible for FTB. Does my head in.

It’s a hassle but if go into the Centrelink offices and have a chat. If you go first thing in the morning the wait won’t be as long. Calling can take forever.

I always found it better to go in to the actual office and talk to a staff member (assuming you’ve been online).