Parenting Payment — Single and Partnered

Parenting Payment is income support for the principal carer of a young child. It comes in two forms: Parenting Payment Single (for single parents until youngest child is 14) and Parenting Payment Partnered (for partnered parents until youngest is 6). This guide covers both, including mutual obligation requirements that kick in when your child reaches certain ages.

Parenting Payment Single

• For single parents — including widowed, separated, divorced, or never-partnered parents.
• Paid until youngest child turns 14 (was extended from age 8 in 2023).
• Maximum rate (2026): approximately $1,000/fortnight (includes supplements).
• Income-tested: full payment if income below ~$219/fortnight; tapers above.
• Mutual obligations apply when youngest child turns 6 (typically 30 hours/week of work, study, or job search activity).

Parenting Payment Partnered

• For one partner in a couple, when that partner is the principal carer.
• Paid until youngest child turns 6.
• Maximum rate (2026): approximately $738/fortnight.
• Both partners' income counts toward the income test.
• Mutual obligations begin when youngest child turns 6 (transition to JobSeeker).

How to apply

• Apply via myGov or visit a Service Centre.
• You'll need: birth certificate for the child, custody documents (if applicable), partner's details and tax file number.
• Application process typically takes 14–21 days.

Frequently asked questions

Can I receive Parenting Payment and FTB?

Yes. Parenting Payment is your income support; Family Tax Benefit is a separate per-child supplement. Most parenting payment recipients also receive FTB.

What happens when my youngest turns 14 (Single) or 6 (Partnered)?

You transition to JobSeeker Payment (with single principal carer concessions if applicable) and mutual obligations apply.

Is Parenting Payment Single more than JobSeeker?

Yes — Parenting Payment Single is paid at a higher rate than JobSeeker, recognising the costs of raising children alone.