Raising children is one of life’s most rewarding experiences—but it can also be expensive. From nappies and schoolbooks to sports gear and dental checkups, costs add up quickly.
Fortunately, the Australian government offers financial support through various child-related payments designed to ease the pressure on families.
If you’re living in Australia and raising children, you may be eligible for family assistance benefits. These subsidies aim to help with the cost of raising kids, whether you’re a new parent, a single parent, or a working family juggling school and daycare.
See also:
What Is Family Assistance in Australia?
Family assistance refers to a set of payments provided by the Australian Government through Services Australia, mainly under Centrelink. These payments are designed to support families with the cost of raising children.
The main types of child subsidies include:
- Family Tax Benefit Part A and B
- Child Care Subsidy
- Parental Leave Pay
- Dad and Partner Pay
Each has different eligibility rules, but they all aim to help Australian families thrive.
Se also:
Who Is Eligible for Family Assistance?
Eligibility depends on a few key factors:
- Your residency status (you must be an Australian resident or hold a qualifying visa)
- Your income (each payment has its own threshold)
- The number and age of your children
- Your care arrangements, like shared custody or single parenting
Even if you think your income might be too high, some benefits taper off gradually and don’t cut off completely—so it’s always worth checking.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for Family Assistance
Step 1: Create a myGov Account
The first thing you need is a myGov account. This is your secure online gateway to access government services.
To set it up:
- Go to my.gov.au
- Link your Centrelink account (or create one if you haven’t already)
- Verify your identity with documents like a driver’s license or Medicare card
Once your account is ready, you can start applying for payments online.
Step 2: Add Your Children to Your Centrelink Profile
Make sure all your children are listed on your profile. This includes:
- Their full names and dates of birth
- Your relationship to them (biological, adopted, stepchild)
- Whether they live with you full-time or part-time
Centrelink uses this info to assess your eligibility and calculate your payments.
Step 3: Apply for the Specific Payments You Qualify For
Let’s go through each of the main family assistance programs and how to apply for them.
Main Types of Family Assistance Payments
Family Tax Benefit (FTB)
This is the core family payment for parents and carers.
Family Tax Benefit Part A
Paid per child, this benefit helps with the general cost of raising children.
You may be eligible if:
- You care for a child aged 0 to 19 (if they’re in full-time secondary school)
- Your income is below the upper threshold (e.g., up to $80,000–$100,000+ depending on number of children)
- Your child meets immunisation and health check requirements
How much can you get?
- The base rate starts around $60–$70 per child, per fortnight
- Maximum rates are higher for lower-income families and younger children
How to apply:
- Log into myGov and submit a claim under “Make a claim” > “Families”
Family Tax Benefit Part B
This payment is for single-parent families or families with one main income.
You may be eligible if:
- You’re a single parent, grandparent, or non-parent carer
- Or you’re a couple with only one income
How much can you get?
- Up to $162.54 per fortnight depending on income and age of the youngest child
Tip: You can receive both Part A and Part B if you qualify.
Child Care Subsidy (CCS)
Childcare can be a huge expense. This subsidy helps reduce your out-of-pocket childcare fees.
You may be eligible if:
- You use a Centrelink-approved child care provider
- You meet an activity test (work, study, training, volunteering)
- Your income falls within the set limits (subsidy rates decrease as income increases)
How much can you get?
- Between 20% to 90% of childcare fees, depending on your family income
How to apply:
- Log into myGov and submit a claim for “Child Care Subsidy”
- Provide care details (hours per week, name of provider)
Note: You must report your hours of “activity” (like work or study) to determine your eligible childcare hours.
Parental Leave Pay
This supports new parents who take time off work to care for a newborn.
You may be eligible if:
- You’ve worked at least 10 of the 13 months before your baby’s birth
- You meet income limits (under $156,647 for the individual in 2024)
- You’re on leave from paid work
What do you receive?
- Up to 100 days (20 weeks) of pay at the national minimum wage
How to apply:
- Submit your claim up to 3 months before your baby’s due date
- Apply through myGov > Centrelink > “Make a claim” > “Parental Leave Pay”
Bonus Tip: If both parents work, you can share the paid leave.
Dad and Partner Pay
For dads, partners, and adoptive parents who take time off work to care for a new child.
Eligibility:
- You’ve worked at least 10 of the 13 months before your child’s birth
- You’re on unpaid leave during the payment period
- You meet the income test
What do you get?
- Two weeks of government-funded pay at minimum wage
How to apply:
- Same process as Parental Leave Pay, but select “Dad and Partner Pay”
Apps and Tools to Help You Apply
Express Plus Centrelink App
This app is your shortcut to manage claims, report income, and get updates.
Pros:
- Submit documents and view payments
- Track claim status
- Easy to use on your phone
Cons:
- You must already have a Centrelink account
- Some features limited compared to the full website
myGov Website
The main portal to access Centrelink, Medicare, and ATO.
Pros:
- Central place to manage all government services
- Secure messaging and document uploads
- Link multiple accounts
Cons:
- Can be confusing for first-time users
- Needs strong digital identity verification
Payment and Service Finder
An online tool to check what payments you may be eligible for.
Pros:
- Quick eligibility check
- Helps find services by situation
- Great for first-time claimants
Cons:
- Doesn’t replace actual claim process
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I get these payments if I’m not working?
Yes. Some payments like Family Tax Benefit are not tied to employment. Others like Child Care Subsidy require “activity,” but this includes study or volunteering.
What if I share custody?
Centrelink allows shared care and adjusts your payments based on the percentage of time the child lives with you.
Is the money paid weekly or monthly?
Most payments are made fortnightly, though you can choose lump sum options at the end of the financial year.
Are these payments taxable?
Most family assistance payments are not taxable. However, Parental Leave Pay and Dad and Partner Pay are considered taxable income.
Do I need to reapply every year?
No, but you must update your income estimate annually and report any major changes.
Smart Tips to Maximise Your Family Payments
- Keep Documents Updated: Report income changes, new jobs, or address moves quickly to avoid overpayments.
- Use the Online Estimator: Before applying, check how much you could receive.
- Claim Early: Some payments can be backdated, but it’s better to claim as soon as you’re eligible.
- Track Everything: Keep receipts and documents related to child care or education in case Centrelink requests proof.
- Get Help: If you’re unsure, visit a Centrelink office or call the Families line at 136 150.
Family assistance in Australia is designed to make parenting a little easier. It’s not just about money—it’s about giving every child the opportunity to grow up healthy and supported. Whether you’re working, studying, or staying home with young kids, there’s likely a benefit that fits your situation.
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