In 2025, the Australian Government has made key updates to the Parenting Payment, offering more support to families navigating rising living costs. Eligible recipients can now receive up to $915 per fortnight, depending on their situation.
This payment is designed to provide financial assistance to parents or guardians who are the primary carers of young children. Let’s explore who qualifies, how much you could get, and when the payment is issued.
What Is the Parenting Payment?
The Parenting Payment is a fortnightly income support benefit for individuals who are the principal carers of children. This payment helps cover daily living costs, especially for low-income or single-parent households.
It is delivered through Centrelink and varies depending on relationship status, income, and the age of the youngest child in care.
How Much Is the Parenting Payment in 2025?
The maximum Parenting Payment rate for April 2025 has increased in line with indexation to help families cope with inflation and living cost spikes.
Current Fortnightly Payment Rates:
| Category | Fortnightly Amount |
|---|---|
| Single Parent (child under 14) | $915.00 |
| Partnered Parent (child under 6) | $642.70 |
| Partnered – Special Circumstances | $836.50 |
Note: The total may include supplements such as the Pension Supplement and Energy Supplement depending on eligibility.
Who Is Eligible?
To receive the Parenting Payment in 2025, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Be the principal carer of a child.
- Meet residency rules and live in Australia.
- Pass income and asset tests (individual and combined with partner).
- Child Age Requirement:
- Single parents: Youngest child must be under 14 years old.
- Partnered parents: Youngest child must be under 6 years old.
- Not currently receiving Paid Parental Leave for the same child.
Only one parent per child is eligible to receive the Parenting Payment.
Income and Asset Limits
Eligibility and the amount you receive depend on how much income and assets you have.
Income Thresholds (Single Parent Example):
| Children in Care | Free Area (Per Fortnight) | Reduction Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $220.60 | 40¢ for every $1 over threshold |
| 2 | $245.20 | 40¢ for every $1 over threshold |
| 3+ | $269.80 + $24.60 per extra | 40¢ for every $1 over threshold |
Asset limits depend on whether you are a homeowner or non-homeowner.
When Will You Get Paid?
Payments are made fortnightly on your assigned Centrelink cycle. For April 2025, payments start from:
- Thursday, April 3, 2025
- Then every two weeks thereafter (April 17, May 1, etc.)
New applicants who are approved mid-cycle may receive back pay from their eligibility date.
How to Apply
You can apply for the Parenting Payment online via myGov linked to Centrelink. Ensure your income details, bank info, and dependent details are updated for a smooth process.
No application is needed if you’re already receiving the payment and remain eligible.
Additional Payments You Might Get
If you qualify for Parenting Payment, you may also be eligible for:
- Rent Assistance
- Energy Supplement
- Pharmaceutical Allowance
- Family Tax Benefit
- Pensioner Education Supplement
These are automatically assessed alongside your Parenting Payment claim.
The $915 Parenting Payment in 2025 offers meaningful financial relief to families caring for young children. With updated rates and accessible eligibility criteria, it’s a valuable support system for many Australian households.
Make sure your information is current and check your payment schedule to ensure you receive what you’re entitled to—without delay.
FAQs
Can both parents receive the Parenting Payment?
No, only one parent or guardian per child can receive the payment.
What happens when my child reaches the age limit?
Your eligibility ends when your youngest child turns 14 (single) or 6 (partnered). You may be moved to another support payment like JobSeeker.
Will the Parenting Payment affect other Centrelink benefits?
It may be counted toward income assessments for other payments but won’t necessarily reduce other entitlements.