Family Tax Benefit (FTB) helps Australian families with the cost of raising children. It has two parts: FTB Part A (per child, income-tested) and FTB Part B (additional assistance for single parents and one-income families). This guide covers 2026 rates and how to claim.
FTB Part A — Per-Child Payment
FTB Part A is paid per child and is means-tested on your family's income. The rate depends on the age of the child.
| Child Details | Maximum Fortnightly Rate (per child) | Maximum Annual Rate (per child) |
|---|---|---|
| 0–12 years old | $211.54 | $5,500.04 |
| 13–19 years old (in approved study) | $275.38 | $7,159.88 |
FTB Part A Income Test
- Your family's adjusted taxable income (ATI) is assessed
- If your ATI is $60,000 or less, you receive the maximum rate
- Between $60,000 and $99,000, your payment reduces by 20 cents per dollar
- Above $99,000, your payment reduces by 30 cents per dollar
- Part A cuts out completely around $108,000 for families with one child
- For larger families, the cut-out point is higher (add approximately $3,666 in ATI allowance per additional child)
FTB Part A Supplement
After the end of the financial year, if your actual income is lower than estimated, you may receive the FTB Part A Supplement of up to $813.60 per child.
FTB Part B — Extra Support for Single Parents & One-Income Families
FTB Part B provides extra assistance for single parents and families with one main income. It is paid per family (not per child) until the youngest child turns 16.
| Family Type | Maximum Fortnightly Rate | Maximum Annual Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Single parent (youngest child 0–12) | $164.18 | $4,268.68 |
| Single parent (youngest child 13–15) | $114.72 | $2,982.72 |
| Couple (youngest child 0–5 only) | $114.72 | $2,982.72 |
FTB Part B Income Test
- The secondary earner (lower income parent) can earn up to $8,000 per year before Part B reduces
- For every dollar over $8,000, Part B reduces by 20 cents per dollar
- Part B cuts out when the secondary earner's income reaches approximately $29,343 (for single parents) or $30,343 (for couple families)
- Note: Single parents have no primary earner income limit — Part B is not tested on the single parent's own income
How to Claim Family Tax Benefit
- Log into myGov and link Centrelink
- Select "Make a claim" and choose "Family Tax Benefit"
- Provide your family details, including information about your children, partner, and income estimates
- Upload supporting documents (birth certificates, proof of income)
- Choose how to be paid — fortnightly, lump sum at the end of the financial year, or a mix of both
- Submit the claim and track progress in your Centrelink online account
Annual Reconciliation
Each year after tax returns are lodged, Centrelink reconciles your estimated income with your actual income:
- If your actual income was lower than estimated, you may receive a top-up payment (including supplements)
- If your actual income was higher than estimated, you may have a debt to repay
- You must lodge your tax return (or tell Centrelink you don't need to) each year to finalise your FTB
- Reconciliation usually occurs between July and September each year
Newborn Supplement
If you have a baby or adopt a child, you may be eligible for the Newborn Supplement (paid as part of FTB Part A):
- First child: up to $1,849.50
- Second and subsequent children: up to $616.50
- Paid in fortnightly installments over 13 weeks
- Income tested under FTB Part A rules
Stillborn Baby Payment
Families who experience a stillbirth may be eligible for the Stillborn Baby Payment of up to $1,849.50 (same rate as the Newborn Supplement for the first child).
Multiple Birth Allowance
Families with triplets or quads may be eligible for the Multiple Birth Allowance of up to $185.34 per fortnight for each additional child beyond the first (i.e. triplets = 2 extra, quads = 3 extra).
This guide is updated for 2026. Check Services Australia website for latest rates.