This means people will no longer be able to claim Family Assistance payments through the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).

It is expected that the changes will have little impact on most families, who will still be able to claim FTB as a fortnightly payment or a lump sum payment through the FAO.

Letters are being sent to ‘customers' who claimed FTB through the ATO for the 2006/07 financial year.

Families can lodge claims for FTB with the FAO at any Centrelink Customer Service Centre or Medicare Australia office, or online at http://www.familyassist.gov.au/