Government Support for Single Parents
It’s hard being a single parent – both emotionally and financially. So when there are government assistance and support payments available, it is worth taking advantage of them. There are a number of such payments you might be eligible for, depending on your circumstances.
Child support
While separation can be a troubling time, the Australian Government can assist you with the child support process.
A child support payment is an amount of money transferred between separated parents which is used to help raise the children, whether you live in Australia or overseas.
You can receive child support payments privately or via Centrelink, once Centrelink has assessed your child support application or you’ve registered an agreement or court order with Centrelink.
You can even estimate your child support amount online.
Newborn upfront payment and newborn supplement
This payment is effectively an increase to your Family Tax Benefit Part A payment when you have a baby or adopt a child.
In order to be eligible, you need to have had a baby or adopted a child after March 1, 2014 and not be receiving parental leave pay for the same child.
Childcare benefit
This payment helps with the cost of childcare such as long, family or occasional day care, outside school hours care, vacation care, pre-school and kindergarten.
In order to be eligible, you need to use an approved or registered childcare provider, be responsible for paying the childcare fees, and have immunised your child.
Childcare rebate
This payment covers 50% of out-of-pocket childcare expenses, up to a maximum amount per child per year.
This is in addition to any amount you may receive from Child Care Benefit and Jobs, Education and Training (JET) Child Care Fee Assistance.
Family tax benefit
This is a two-part payment that helps with the cost of raising children – Family Tax Benefit Part A and Part B.
To be eligible, you need to have a dependent child or secondary student under the age of 20 who is not receiving a pension, payment, or benefit such as Youth Allowance. You also have to provide care for the child for at least 35% of the time and meet an income test.
Parental leave pay
This payment provides financial support for up to 18 weeks to help eligible parents take time off work to care for a newborn or recently adopted child.
To be eligible, you need to be the primary carer of your child and meet certain work and income tests.
Parenting payment
This payment is for parents or guardians to help with the cost of raising children.
To be eligible, you need to be single and care for a child under 8, or have a partner and care for a child under 6. You also need to meet an income and assets test.
Single income family supplement
This is an annual payment of up to $300 to help eligible households.
To be eligible, you need to have had a child in your care for at least 35% of the financial year. You also need to have had one main income earner whose income was between $68,000 and $150,000. If there is a secondary income earner in your family, you may still be eligible if their income is below $18,000.
Crisis and special help payments
There are many crisis and special help payments available, such as where there has been a death, or family and domestic violence. It helps to speak with Centrelink staff directly on how these can assist you.
Your family lawyer can help advise you of available payments and benefits, as well as assist you in making child support claims.