Parenting Payment is a Centrelink payment for parents or guardians with a young child. There are two rates: Parenting Payment Single and Parenting Payment Partnered. This guide covers the 2026 rates, eligibility, and how to claim.
Current Parenting Payment Rates (2026)
| Payment Type | Maximum Fortnightly Rate |
|---|---|
| Parenting Payment Single | $1,017.20 (plus pension supplement of $30.10) |
| Parenting Payment Partnered (each person) | $740.30 |
You may also receive Rent Assistance, Energy Supplement, and a Pensioner Concession Card.
Eligibility Criteria
Age of Youngest Child
- Single parents: eligible until your youngest child turns 14
- Partnered parents: eligible only until your youngest child turns 6
After your youngest child reaches these ages, you will generally need to transition to JobSeeker Payment or another support payment.
Residency Requirements
- You must be an Australian resident (or hold a qualifying visa)
- You must live in Australia on the date you claim
- Generally, you need to have been resident for at least 104 weeks (2 years) since becoming a permanent resident
Income Test
Parenting Payment Single
- You can earn up to $247.20 per fortnight before your payment reduces
- Your payment reduces by 50 cents for each dollar between $247.20 and $554.60
- Above $554.60, it reduces by 60 cents per dollar
Parenting Payment Partnered
- Your combined family income is assessed
- You can earn up to $141.60 per fortnight before reduction
- Payment reduces by 50 cents per dollar between $141.60 and $324.80
- Above $324.80, it reduces by 60 cents per dollar
Assets Test
| Situation | Asset Limit |
|---|---|
| Homeowner (single) | $314,000 |
| Non-homeowner (single) | $566,000 |
| Homeowner (couple combined) | $469,000 |
| Non-homeowner (couple combined) | $721,000 |
How to Claim Parenting Payment
- Create a myGov account and link Centrelink (or log in if you already have one)
- Select "Make a claim" and choose "Parenting Payment"
- Provide personal details, relationship status, and information about your child
- Upload supporting documents (birth certificate, proof of identity, bank statements)
- Submit the claim — you can track progress in your Centrelink online account
- If eligible, your payment will start from the date you submitted the claim
Participation Requirements
Once your youngest child reaches a certain age, you may need to meet participation requirements:
- Single parent, child aged 6+: you need to do at least 30 hours of approved activities per fortnight (work, study, or training)
- Partnered parent, child aged 4+: you need to do at least 30 hours of approved activities per fortnight
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work while receiving Parenting Payment?
Yes. The income test allows you to earn a certain amount before your payment reduces. Many parents work part-time while receiving Parenting Payment.
What if I separate from my partner?
You must notify Centrelink within 14 days of separating. Your payment may change to the single rate, which is higher.
Do I need to pay tax on Parenting Payment?
Parenting Payment is considered taxable income. You should include it in your tax return, but you may not owe tax if your total income is below the tax-free threshold.
This guide is updated for 2026. Check Services Australia website for latest rates.
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How Parenting Payment Is Calculated
Parenting Payment is a taxable income support payment for parents or guardians of young children. From 20 March 2026 the maximum rate for a single parent is $1,017.20 per fortnight plus a pension supplement of $30.10, while partnered parents receive $740.30 each. Because the single rate is a pension-style payment, it also attracts Rent Assistance and the Pensioner Concession Card, which partnered recipients do not get.
The income test works differently for the two rates. A single parent can earn around $220.60 per fortnight (for one child, more with additional children) before their payment reduces by 40 cents per dollar. Partnered parents have a lower personal free area of about $141.60 per fortnight, with the payment reducing by 50 cents per dollar up to $324.80 and 60 cents per dollar above that. Your partner's income is also tested, so total household income drives the final amount.
Action Plan: Claiming and Reporting in 2026
- Claim online through myGov within 14 days of your child being born or entering your care to maximise backdating.
- Provide your partner's details and income — Parenting Payment is assessed on the family unit, not just you.
- Report your income every fortnight via the Centrelink app; your payment is recalculated on actual income each time.
- If you separate, notify Centrelink immediately — you may be entitled to the higher single rate and a reassessment of your income test.
- Check whether you are also eligible for Family Tax Benefit and Child Care Subsidy — these stack with Parenting Payment under separate rules.