Parenting Payment Calculator
2025–26 Payment Rates
Rates are updated on 20 March and 20 September each year. Current rates from 20 March 2026:
| Your situation | Maximum fortnightly payment |
|---|---|
| Single | $1,017.20 + pension supplement of $30.10 |
| Partnered | $740.30 |
| Partnered, separated due to illness, respite care or prison | $866.00 |
Source: How much Parenting Payment you can get — Services Australia
Income Test
If you’re single
Your payment reduces by 40 cents for every dollar of income over your free area. The free area depends on how many qualifying children you have:
| Number of children under 8 | Free area (fortnightly income) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $224.60 |
| 2 | $249.20 |
| 3 | $273.80 |
| Each extra child | Add $24.60 |
Your payment cuts off entirely once fortnightly income reaches $2,890.35 (for 1 child; increases by $24.60 per additional child).
If you’re partnered
Your income and your partner’s income are assessed separately.
| Your income | Partner’s income | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Up to $150 | Up to $1,415 | Full rate |
| $150–$256 | Up to $1,415 | Reduces by 50 cents per dollar over $150 |
| Over $256 | Up to $1,415 | Reduces by $53 plus 60 cents per dollar over $256 |
| Any | Over $1,415 | Also reduces by 60 cents per dollar of partner’s income over $1,415 |
If your partner receives a pension (Age Pension, Disability Support Pension or Carer Payment), combined income is assessed instead. Payment reduces by 25 cents per dollar over $300 combined, then 30 cents per dollar over $512.
Source: Income and assets tests for Parenting Payment — Services Australia
Assets Test
Your payment cancels when your assets exceed:
| Your situation | Homeowner | Non-homeowner |
|---|---|---|
| Single | $321,500 | $579,500 |
| Couple (combined) | $481,500 | $739,500 |
Who Can Get It
- You must be the principal carer for a child under 8 (single) or under 6 (partnered)
- You have the most responsibility for their day-to-day care, welfare and development
- Only one person at a time can be a child’s principal carer
- Meet residence rules
- You must be an Australian resident
- You must pass the newly arrived resident’s waiting period (4 years)
- Not have claimed before the birth of the child
- Meet the assets test and be under the income limits
Other Information
- Parenting Payment is a taxable Centrelink payment.
- If you’re eligible, you will also get Energy Supplement. You may also get Rent Assistance.
Income Changes
If you or your partner receive any income, you need to tell Services Australia before your next payment:
- on your regular reporting day when you’re scheduled to report your income
- within 14 days if you’re not scheduled to report
Please answer some questions first to make sure you are eligible for this payment
Eligibility
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Parenting Payment in Australia?
Parenting Payment is an income support payment from Centrelink for the primary carer of young children. Single parents can receive it until their youngest child turns 8; partnered parents until the youngest child turns 6.
How much is Parenting Payment in 2026?
From 20 March 2026, single parents can get up to $1,017.20 per fortnight plus a pension supplement of $30.10 if eligible. Partnered parents can get up to $740.30 per fortnight, or $866.00 if separated due to illness, respite care or prison. The actual amount depends on your income and assets.
Who is eligible for Parenting Payment?
You may be eligible if you are the primary carer of a child under 6 (partnered) or under 8 (single), you meet income and assets tests, and you hold an eligible residency status. You must be an Australian resident and meet the newly arrived resident's waiting period (generally 4 years).
What is the income test for Parenting Payment?
For single parents with one child, Parenting Payment starts reducing when fortnightly income exceeds $224.60. The payment reduces by 40 cents for every dollar over that amount. For partnered parents, payment reduces when your income exceeds $150 per fortnight or your partner's income exceeds $1,415 per fortnight.
Can I work and still receive Parenting Payment?
Yes. Single parents may earn up to $224.60 per fortnight (1 child) before their payment reduces. There are also participation requirements — single parents with children 6 and over must meet mutual obligations such as job search or study.