You may be eligible for the new Child Care Rebate.

New Child Care Rebate – What is it and how does it work?

The new federal government Child Care Rebate allows you to recoup 50% of your, out of pocket child care expenses up to an annual cap of $7,500. (Be sure to check www.mychild.gov.au for current and full details of the Child Care Rebate.) Meaning if you work, train or study you could potentially receive a rebate of $3,750 if you use an approved child care worker with an annual charge of $7,500. See example below:

1. Sue works and takes her child to an approved child care provider. (There is no income test for the CCR. If you are eligible for CCB but your CCB entitlement is zero due to income, you are still eligible for the CCR.) source www.mychild.gov.au
2. Sue pays her child $5,000 per year for her government approved child care
3. Sue  has been eligible for the Child Care Benefit program
   
4. Sue has passed the CCB work, trainning or study test
5. Sue fills out a Child Care Rebate application form
6. Sue receives a rebate of $2,500. 50% of $5,000 paid quarterly into her bank account

What passes as a federal government child care facility

An approved child care centre must pass the Australian government criteria for suitable quality assured child care. In order to find out if your child care is government approved call the Child Care Access Hotline on 1800 670 305 or search here for a list of approved facilities.

How much can I get back from my Child Care Rebate
As stated above you can receive 50% of your out of pocket expenses of up to $7,500. Out of pocket expenses is money that you have paid, outside of any Child Care Benefit payments or any other type of child care assistance you may receive.

How to i get paid?
Once you have meet all the eligibility requirements with family assistance you will be paid quarterly into your selected bank account. The final payment will be withheld until you have lodged and processed your tax return.

Absent days

Your child is allowed up to 42 absent days, without reason before if affects your Child Care Rebate payment.

Summary

The federal government understands that regular Australians need help when it comes to child care. The new Child Care Rebate, along with the Child Care Benefit program are designed to suite the needs of working class families, allowing them to spend more time at the workplace.  If you believe that you are eligible for assistance you can call the Family Assistance Office  on 13 61 50.

More Rebates

Want to learn more about the Rainwater and Greywater Rebate or the New Solar Hotwater Rebate.

References

www.mychild.gov.au

Family Assistance

Centrelink

Australian Government

Fizone – We are Money!

Replacing your electrical hot water system with a solar power hot water system could land you a $1000 government rebate.

Household water heating, contributes to one of the biggest carbon footprints from your day to day living around the home. Along with harming the environment, electrical water heating systems hit you hard in the wallet, when it comes time to pay your energy Bill. The Renewable Energy Bonus Scheme – solar hot water rebate, was created by the Australian Federal Government in 2010 (Replacing the former Solar Hot Water Rebate.) This new government, “save the environment initiative” will reimburse you with $1000 for a solar hot water system and $600 for a heat pump water system, provided you meet the application criteria. However you can apply for this rebate if have have received the National Rainwater and Greywater Initiative $500 rebate.

Read this before you go on – “The rebate is for solar and heat pump hot water systems that replace an existing electric storage hot water system. In order to be eligible for the rebate the solar or heat pump system must be a new and complete hot water system that is eligible for at least 20 RECs.” (Federal Government 2010.) This means that you can not apply for the Renewable Energy Bonus Scheme – Solar Hot Water Rebate if you are building a new home or replacing a current solar hot water system. Likewise you are not eligible for this rebate if you have previously received the Home Insulation Program or the Homeowner Insulation Program.

Why should I buy a new solar hot water system?
As mentioned above a standard electrical hot water system contributes to carbon emissions and a higher than expected energy bill. Solar hot water systems can reduce your carbon emissions and potentially save you hundreds of dollars per year on your electrical bill, helping  you can sleep a little better at night knowing that you are doing your little bit to save the environment.

Installation Requirements

1. The system has been installed in accordance with the relevant building standards and government requirements.
2. The system is a new and complete hot water system that replaces an existing electric storage hot water system previously operational at the dwelling.
3. The system is eligible for at least 20 RECs at the time and place of installation.
4. Installers are also required to provide other technical and installation details including the tank number of the new system and the installation date. Installers are aware of the process and have easy access to the information.

Reclaiming your money

1. To claim a rebate, you need to submit an application using the application form below.
2. You have up to two months (62 days) after an eligible system is installed to submit an application form.
3. Please attach a copy of your purchase receipts which clearly indicates that you have installed a solar or heat pump hot water system with the application. No other supporting documentation is required.
4. You are required to agree that, if requested, you will provide evidence to support claims made in the application as part of an audit process to ensure you meet the program guidelines. For example allowing an authorised inspector access to your system.
5. You should allow eight weeks for the application to be processed, payments are transferred electronically into your bank account.

The Australian government has introduced a wide range of schemes to help with energy costs, environmental damage and to help stimulate the economy. It is a good time to take advantage of these offers if you are considering making your home more eco friendly another example of this can be seen with the  rainwater tank rebate. To apply for the Solar Hot Water Rebate click here.

References

Australian Federal Government

Climate Change Government Program

FIZONE – We are money!

Australian Government is giving a $500 rebate for installing a rainwater tank.

To help save water and more importantly your water bill, the federal government has introduced the National Rainwater and Greywater Initiative to give you a $500 rebate on the purchase of a new rain water tank. Apply before the 31st of March 2014.

Save on your monthly water bill
We all know that cost of water is getting out of hand, one way you can help save on your water bill is to store  your own water in a rainwater tank. Not only will you save money you can help save the environment by drinking one of the best sources of water going around, rainwater.

National rainwater and greywater initiative
The national rainwater and greywater initiative was created by the Federal Government to help ease the pressures of low water supply in Australia along with helping Australian’s through tough economic times.

In order to receive the grant you need meet to following criteria

1. Be the owner of the dwelling where the rainwater tank/s or greywater system has been installed;
2. Be the purchaser of the rainwater tank/s or greywater system; and
3. Submit the completed Application Form and a copy of the proof of purchase (please see examples of acceptable proofs of purchase listed in the definitions section) within six (6) months of the date of purchase of the rainwater tank/s or greywater system.
4. The dwelling where the rainwater tank/s or greywater system has been installed will only be eligible for one (1) rebate payment over the life of the program and must:
5. Be an existing dwelling at the time of installation (not under construction or significant renovation);
6. Not have had a rebate claimed through this program before;
7. Be a principal place of residence that is not owned by a government authority; and be connected to mains water supply (as defined in definitions section).

The rainwater tank/s or greywater system must:

1. Be installed by a licensed plumber;
2. Be brand new (i.e. not second hand) and purchased after 30 January 2009;
3. Be plumbed in;
4. Meet relevant standards and government requirements such as local building restrictions and regulations;
5. Be fully operational;
6. Greywater systems need to be a greywater treatment system; and
7. Rainwater tank/s must have a minimum capacity of 2,000 litres.

Advantages of installing a rainwater tank

1. Help save the environment by using your own water supply created by the rain clouds
2. Drink clean fresh rainwater, some may argue that it is the best source of drinking water in the world
3. Get satisfaction in knowing that you have created something the not only saves you money but saves the environment
4. Consumer revenge on your local water company, breathe a little easier the next time you open up your water bill
5. Recycle greywater for the washing or toilet.

In summary
Installing a rainwater or greywater tank will give you peace of mind,  knowing that are doing something to help the Australian environment, and ease the burden of a hefty water bill. We understand that a rainwater or greywater tank is not for every Australian, however if  you are one of those lucky Australians that owns their own property, why not give it a good old fashioned Australian go.

References

Ferederal Government of Australia

Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts

FIZONE – We Are Money

Let’s face it. Anyone in Australia or anywhere in the world faces those times in their lives when an expected expense or an important purchase catches you unaware – and you need cash – fast.

The internet has changed everything including the way banking is done. Its here, what we call and is known as, online internet banking. It’s not just about online transactions now.  Australian banks are giving loans also online and they will tell you upfront exactly what your costs going to be. This saves you from the pain of going to the bank directly and standing in queues all stacked up with required documents.

Many banks in Australia have introduced this online facility for getting the loan, where the application forms can be filled out with appropriate documents, directly from your home or office while sitting on your computer. Every day thousands of Australians use online banking services to solve occasional cash flow requirements.

The application process is all online and real time with no paperwork hassles. Once approved for a loan, banks deposit the cash straight into your bank account. Applying for a loan online is simple.  You just have to complete the online application form in approximately 20 minutes. Click on the “Apply now” button or something similar below to begin the application process and you are done.

The information that you are providing should be accurate and complete, because a confidential verification of the supplied data will be done before finally approving your loan. If you require help with your online loan you can contact the customer contact centre or try looking for answers in the “Frequently Asked Questions” section of the website.

If you’re having one of those moments now, don’t panic. Apply for a bank loan right here, right now by sitting on your laptop. It’s super convenient.