Parenting Payment Rates 2026
Parenting Payment is the main income support payment for principal carers of young children. Single parents receive a significantly higher rate than partnered parents. From 20 March 2026, the single parent rate is $1,000.80 per fortnight.
Current Parenting Payment Rates
| Situation | Per Fortnight | Per Year |
|---|---|---|
Single parent Includes Pension Supplement ($28.30) and Energy Supplement ($14.10). Effective 20 March 2026. | $1000.80 | $26,021 |
Partnered parent (each) Lower rate for partnered recipients. Effective 20 March 2026. | $698.30 | $18,156 |
Rates effective 20 March 2026. Next indexation: 20 September 2026.
Eligibility
You must be the principal carer of a child under 8 years old (if single) or under 6 years old (if partnered), meet residency requirements, and satisfy the income and assets tests.
Income Test
Free area (single): $218/fortnight
Single: reduces by 40c per dollar above $218/fn. Partnered: reduces by 60c per dollar above $150/fn.
Assets Test
Same thresholds as Age Pension.
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be the principal carer of a child under 8 (single) or under 6 (partnered)
- Must be an Australian resident
- Must meet income and assets tests
- Single parents: income free area is $218/fn, taper rate is 40c per dollar
- Partnered parents: income free area is $150/fn, taper rate is 60c per dollar
- Must not be in full-time paid work
- Must meet mutual obligation requirements (single parents with youngest child 6+; partnered parents with youngest child 2+)
Key Facts at a Glance
About Parenting Payment
Parenting Payment is Australia's main income support payment for parents who are the principal carer of young children and need financial assistance. Around 200,000 Australians receive Parenting Payment.
Single vs partnered rates There is a significant difference between the single and partnered rates of Parenting Payment: • Single parents receive $1,000.80 per fortnight — a higher rate that recognises the additional costs and responsibilities of raising children alone • Partnered parents receive $698.30 per fortnight — a lower rate that assumes the other partner can contribute to household income
Age limits for children Parenting Payment is available while your youngest child is: • Under 8 years old (if you are a single parent) • Under 6 years old (if you are partnered)
When your youngest child reaches these ages, your Parenting Payment will stop. You may be able to transfer to JobSeeker Payment.
Mutual obligations Single parents on Parenting Payment whose youngest child is 6 or older must meet mutual obligation requirements (such as part-time work, study or volunteering). Partnered parents must meet mutual obligations when their youngest child is 2 or older.
Parenting Payment and work Single parents can earn up to $218 per fortnight before their payment reduces. Above this, the payment reduces by 40 cents for every dollar earned (a lower taper rate than JobSeeker). Partnered parents have a free area of $150 per fortnight and a taper rate of 60 cents per dollar.
Transition from Parenting Payment to JobSeeker When your youngest child reaches the age limit, you will be transferred to JobSeeker Payment. The JobSeeker rate is lower than the single parent Parenting Payment rate, so this transition can represent a significant reduction in income. Centrelink will contact you before the transition to discuss your options.
How to Apply
Apply through myGov or at a Services Australia service centre. You can apply from when your child is born. You will need to provide proof of the child's birth and your relationship to the child.
- Log in to myGov and link Centrelink
- Select "Make a claim" and choose "Parenting Payment"
- Provide your child's birth certificate or proof of birth
- Provide details of your income and assets
- If partnered, provide your partner's income details
- Provide your bank account details
- Apply as soon as possible after your child's birth — payments are generally not backdated
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is Parenting Payment in 2026?
From 20 March 2026, Parenting Payment for single parents is $1,000.80 per fortnight. For partnered parents, the rate is $698.30 per fortnight. The single parent rate includes a Pension Supplement of $28.30/fn and Energy Supplement of $14.10/fn.
What age does my child need to be for Parenting Payment?
If you are a single parent, you can receive Parenting Payment until your youngest child turns 8. If you are partnered, you can receive it until your youngest child turns 6. After this, you may be able to transfer to JobSeeker Payment. Centrelink will contact you before this happens to discuss your options.
Can I work and still receive Parenting Payment?
Yes. Single parents can earn up to $218 per fortnight before their payment reduces. Above $218/fn, the payment reduces by 40 cents for every dollar earned. Partnered parents have a free area of $150 per fortnight and a taper rate of 60 cents per dollar. You must report all income to Centrelink every fortnight.
What happens when my child turns 8?
When your youngest child turns 8 (or 6 if partnered), your Parenting Payment will stop. You may be able to transfer to JobSeeker Payment. Note that the JobSeeker rate ($808.70/fn for singles) is lower than the single parent Parenting Payment rate ($1,000.80/fn), so this transition represents a significant reduction in income. Centrelink will contact you before the transition.
Can I get Parenting Payment and Family Tax Benefit at the same time?
Yes. Parenting Payment and Family Tax Benefit (FTB) are separate payments. You can receive both at the same time if you meet the eligibility requirements for each. Many single parents receive Parenting Payment, FTB Part A, FTB Part B, and Rent Assistance simultaneously.
What are the mutual obligations for Parenting Payment?
Single parents whose youngest child is 6 or older must meet mutual obligation requirements. These typically include part-time work, study, training or volunteering for at least 15 hours per week. Partnered parents must meet mutual obligations when their youngest child is 2 or older. Exemptions apply for domestic violence, illness, and other circumstances.
Can I get Parenting Payment as a single parent if I work part-time?
Yes. Single parents can work part-time and still receive Parenting Payment. Your payment reduces by 40 cents for every dollar you earn above $218 per fortnight. This is a lower taper rate than JobSeeker (50–60 cents), making it more financially beneficial to work part-time while on Parenting Payment than on JobSeeker.
What is the difference between Parenting Payment and JobSeeker?
Parenting Payment is specifically for principal carers of young children (under 8 for single parents, under 6 for partnered). The single parent rate ($1,000.80/fn) is higher than JobSeeker ($808.70/fn). Parenting Payment has a lower taper rate for single parents (40c vs 50c), making it more work-friendly. When your child reaches the age limit, you transfer to JobSeeker.
Related Payments
Always verify current rates at the official Services Australia website.
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