Parenting Payment: The $987.70 Parenting Payment plus a $28.30 Pension Supplement is a vital form of financial support from Centrelink in Australia. Designed to ease the cost of raising children, this fortnightly benefit helps low-income parents and carers manage living expenses. Whether you’re a single parent or in a relationship, understanding the eligibility criteria and payment schedule can help you make the most of this support.
Parenting Payment
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Payment Name | Parenting Payment + Pension Supplement |
| Amount for Single Parents | Up to $987.70 per fortnight |
| Amount for Partnered Parents | Up to $698.30 per fortnight |
| Pension Supplement | $28.30 included in the above rate |
| Eligibility Age for Child | Under 8 (single parent), Under 6 (partnered) |
| Residency Requirement | Must be an Australian resident present in Australia |
| Asset Limit (Single Homeowner) | $314,000 |
| Application Portal | myGov |
| Official Info | Services Australia – Parenting Payment |
The $987.70 Parenting Payment and $28.30 Pension Supplement can significantly support eligible Australian families. By understanding the eligibility rules, payment amounts, and application steps, you can ensure you’re making the most of the benefits available to you.
Who Can Get the $987.70 Parenting Payment?
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for this Centrelink support, you must meet all of the following conditions:
Be the Primary Carer
You must be the main person responsible for the care of a child.
Child’s Age Limits
- Single parents: Your child must be under 8 years of age.
- Partnered parents: The youngest child must be under 6 years old.
Residency
You must:
- Be an Australian resident, and
- Be physically present in Australia when you submit your claim.
Income & Asset Tests
Centrelink applies tests to determine whether you qualify and how much you will receive:
- Assets Test Example:
- Single homeowners: Assets must be below $314,000.
- Income thresholds: Vary by relationship status and number of children. Earning above the limit may reduce your payment rate or make you ineligible.
Not Receiving Other Payments
You can’t receive Parenting Payment if you are getting:
- Newstart Allowance
- Youth Allowance
- Austudy
How Much Will You Get?
Current Fortnightly Rates (as of April 2025)
- Single Parent: Up to $987.70 (includes $28.30 Pension Supplement)
- Partnered Parent: Up to $698.30
- Special Rate (if separated due to prison or illness): Up to $816.90
These rates are subject to change twice a year — in March and September — based on inflation and other economic factors.
You can check the most recent updates here.
When Will You Get Paid?
Payment Schedule
Centrelink pays this benefit every two weeks (fortnightly). If your scheduled date falls on a public holiday or weekend, you’ll usually receive your payment on the business day before.
To avoid surprises, you can log into my Gov and set up payment notifications via SMS or email.
Parenting Payment: How to Apply for the Parenting Payment?
Applying is simple, but you’ll need to prepare the right documents. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step-by-Step Application Process
1. Set Up a myGov Account
- Visit myGov and create an account.
- Link it to Centrelink if you haven’t already.
2. Confirm Your Identity
- You’ll need proof of identity: driver’s licence, Medicare card, birth certificate, etc.
3. Submit the Claim
- Go to “Make a claim” → Select “Parenting Payment.”
- Complete the online form with accurate details.
4. Upload Supporting Documents
- Examples include your child’s birth certificate, income statements, and rent agreements.
5. Await Confirmation
- Centrelink will review your application.
- You may be contacted for more details.
- Once approved, you’ll receive your first payment within 2 weeks (in most cases).
Tips to Maximise Your Parenting Payment
- Report income accurately: Underreporting or forgetting can cause delays or overpayments.
- Update your details: Changes in relationship status or income must be updated via myGov.
- Combine with other benefits: You might also be eligible for Family Tax Benefit, Child Care Subsidy, or Rent Assistance.
Canadian Seniors to Receive $3,716 Monthly: Eligibility Criteria and Payment Dates
$1,900 Social Security Payout Confirmed for April 2025; Will You Get It?
$1,622 Direct Deposit for 65-Year-Olds in April 2025; Check Eligibility and Exact Timing
FAQs on Parenting Payment
Can I receive this payment if I’m a student?
Possibly not. If you’re receiving Austudy or Youth Allowance, you typically can’t also claim the Parenting Payment.
What if I have more than one child?
Your eligibility focuses on the age of your youngest child, but income thresholds can adjust based on total dependents.
Is the $28.30 Pension Supplement always included?
Yes. The supplement is automatically bundled into your Parenting Payment (Single).
Do I need to report income every fortnight?
Yes. Even if your income hasn’t changed, reporting is essential to continue receiving payments.
How do I check my next payment date?
Log in to myGov → Go to Centrelink → Check Payment and Claim section.
