Raising a family is a big responsibility, and having the right financial support can help ease the difficulties for parents. In Australia, the Family Tax Benefit (FTB) provided by the government helps families financially to help cover the costs of raising children. The benefit is offered through Centrelink and is available in two parts—FTB Part A and FTB Part B.
Until February 2025, the scheme has several important aspects to be aware of to ensure eligible families receive the right financial support.
What is Family Tax Benefit (FTB)?
It is a government financial support program for families with children below 19 years of age. It consists of two parts:
- ✔ FTB Part A: It is paid per child and depends on the family’s income and the age of the child.
- ✔ FTB Part B: It provides additional support to families with only one main income-earning member or families wherein the parents are single.
Both payment schemes involve income conditions and eligibility criteria, so it’s important parents better appreciate which category they fit in and how much payment they could receive.
FTB Part A: Payment rates and eligibility
What is FTB Part A?
This is a per-child payment designed to help families with everyday child expenses. The amount of the payment depends on the family’s total income and the child’s age.
Payment rates (as of February 2025)
- ✅ Base rate: $68.46 per fortnight per child.
- ✅ Maximum payment (depending on family income and child’s age):
- 0-12 years: $204.50 per fortnight
- 13-15 years: $267.10 per fortnight
- 16-19 years: (if studying full-time) $267.10 per fortnight
FTB Part A income test
- If a family’s annual income is less than $59,000, they will receive the full payment.
- If income is more than $59,000, the amount of the payment starts to decrease.
- If income exceeds a certain limit, payments stop.
FTB Part B: Payment rates and eligibility
What is FTB Part B?
This extra support is given to families where only one parent earns an income or one parent works fewer hours.
Payment rates (as of February 2025)
✅ Based on the age of the youngest child:
- 0-5 years: $4,923.85 per year
- 5-13 years: $3,434.65 per year
- Single parent or grandparent carer (youngest child under 18): $3,434.65 per year
FTB Part B income test
- Single parent: No income test.
- Couples:
- If the main income earner’s annual income exceeds $100,900, the payment is reduced.
- If income exceeds $110,900, the payment ends completely.
Eligibility Criteria
- ✔ Residence requirements: Parent and child must be Australian residents or eligible visa holders.
- ✔ Income limits: If the family’s total annual income exceeds a set limit, payments are stopped.
- ✔ Immunization requirements: For FTB Part A, the child’s immunizations must be up-to-date.
- ✔ Child care:
- FTB Part A: Child under 19 years of age attending school full-time.
- FTB Part B: Only available to single parents or families with one income earner.
How to apply for the Australia Centrelink Family Tax Benefit?
If you want to avail yourself of this scheme, follow the steps below:
- Check eligibility
- You can use myGov’s FTB calculator to see how much payment you can get.
- Prepare the required documents
- 📌 Proof of identity (passport, driving license)
- 📌 Tax File Number (TFN)
- 📌 Children’s birth certificates and school enrolment records
- Submit the application
- 🔹 Online application: Link to Centrelink by visiting myGov and submit the application.
- 🔹 Direct application: You can apply by visiting the nearest Services Australia office.
- Wait for assessment and approval
- The application process takes about 28 days. If your application is approved, payments will begin from the approval date.
Conclusion
Family Tax Benefit (FTB) is an important financial support scheme for Australian families. There are two parts: FTB Part A (per-child payment) and FTB Part B (extra support for single parents or one-income families).
Parents would also need to understand their total annual income, eligibility criteria, and application process. This is crucial if they are to submit their requests on time and with the right supporting evidence documentation so as to reap maximally from government support.
For more information, visit the official website of Services Australia (servicesaustralia.gov.au).
FAQs
Q. Who can get FTB?
A. Families with children under 19 who meet income and residency rules.
Q. How much is FTB Part A?
A. Up to $267.10 per fortnight, based on income and child’s age.
Q. What is the income limit?
A. Full payments for income below $59,000, reduce above this.
Q. How to apply?
A. Apply via myGov (Centrelink) or at Services Australia.
Q. When do payments start?
A. Processing takes 28 days, payments start after approval.