Government payments and tax offsets you might be missing

Last reviewed October 23, 2026

Payments for families

Payment	Who it’s for
Family Tax Benefit Part A	Families with children, paid per child, less as income rises
Family Tax Benefit Part B	Single parents and families with one main income
Child Care Subsidy	Families using approved child care, paid straight to the provider
Parental Leave Pay	Parents caring for a new baby
Parenting Payment	The main carer of a young child on a low income

How much is Family Tax Benefit?

Part A is paid for each child. In 2026–27 it’s up to $235.48 a fortnight for a child under 13, and $306.46 for a child aged 13 to 15, or 16 to 19 in full-time secondary school. It starts to fall once family income passes $69,131, but you still get at least the base rate of $75.60 a child until family income passes $123,078.

Family Tax Benefit Part A for one child A fortnight, by family income, for a child aged 5 to 12, 2026–27

Without Rent Assistance or the yearly supplement. Each extra child raises the amount and the income where it stops.

Part B is paid for the family: up to $200.34 a fortnight while the youngest child is under 5, and $139.86 after that. Couples get it until the youngest turns 13, and only if the higher earner earns $124,327 or less. Single parents get it until the youngest turns 18, if they’re at school.

There are also yearly supplements, paid after you lodge your tax return: up to $970.90 a child for Part A, if family income is $80,000 or less, and up to $478.15 for Part B. If you rent privately, Rent Assistance can be added to Part A.

Payments for students, job seekers and renters

Youth Allowance and Austudy for students and apprentices.
JobSeeker Payment if you’re looking for work.
Commonwealth Rent Assistance, added to many payments if you rent privately.
Health Care Card for cheaper medicines and other discounts.

Tax offsets that come automatically

The low income tax offset takes up to $700 off the tax of people earning $37,500 or less, shrinking to nothing at $66,667. The Medicare levy isn’t charged on taxable income up to $28,011 for singles, and is reduced just above that. You don’t apply for these: they’re worked out when you lodge your tax return.

How to check what you can get

The Payment and Service Finder asks about your situation and lists payments you might get. For a quick estimate of Family Tax Benefit, try our Family Tax Benefit calculator.
myGov links your Centrelink and ATO accounts.
Estimate your income carefully for Family Tax Benefit and the Child Care Subsidy: if you underestimate, you may have to pay some back after the end of the financial year.

Why it matters

These payments can add thousands of dollars a year for a family. Put them in your budget, and use any lump sums to build an emergency fund or clear expensive debt.

Frequently asked questions

How much is Family Tax Benefit in 2026–27?

Part A is up to $235.48 a fortnight for each child under 13, and $306.46 for each child aged 13 to 15, or 16 to 19 at school. Part B is up to $200.34 a fortnight for the family while the youngest is under 5, and $139.86 after that. Supplements are paid after tax time.

What is the income limit for Family Tax Benefit?

You get the most Part A on family income up to $69,131. It then falls by 20c for each $1 to the base rate, and above $123,078 by 30c a $1, stopping at $129,648 with one child. There’s no Part B if the higher earner, or a single parent, earns over $124,327.

Is Family Tax Benefit taxable?

No. You don’t pay tax on Family Tax Benefit, and you don’t include it in your tax return.

What happens if I underestimate my income?

After the end of the financial year, Services Australia checks your payments against your tax return. If your income was higher than your estimate, you may have to pay some back. Update your estimate in myGov as soon as your income changes.

Do I need to apply for the low income tax offset?

No. It’s worked out automatically when you lodge your tax return: up to $700 off your tax if your taxable income is $37,500 or less, reducing to nothing at $66,667.