Parenting Payment is the main income support payment from Services Australia (Centrelink) for parents and guardians who are the principal carer of a young child. It exists to help cover the cost of raising children when you can't work full time, whether you're single or partnered.
This guide walks you through exactly who qualifies, how much you can receive, and how to apply — without the Centrelink jargon.
Parenting Payment eligibility
To qualify for Parenting Payment you generally need to:
- Be the principal carer of a child — under 14 if you're single, or under 6 if you're partnered.
- Meet residence rules (usually an Australian resident living in Australia).
- Meet the income and assets tests.
- Meet mutual obligation requirements (such as job search or study) once your youngest child turns 6.
You don't need to be the biological parent — grandparents, foster carers and other guardians can be the principal carer too.
Parenting Payment Single (PPS)
Parenting Payment Single is the version paid to single parents and carers. It's classified as a pension, so it's paid at a higher rate than the partnered version, it includes the Pension Supplement, and it comes with a Pensioner Concession Card.
Key points about Parenting Payment Single:
- Available while your youngest child is under 14.
- Paid fortnightly, and indexed on 20 March and 20 September each year.
- Comes with a more generous income test than most other payments (see below).
- Can be paid alongside Family Tax Benefit, Rent Assistance and the Child Care Subsidy.
How much is Parenting Payment? (rates from 20 September 2026)
These are the maximum fortnightly rates published by Services Australia, effective from 20 September 2026. Rates are indexed each March and September, so check the Services Australia "How much Parenting Payment you can get" page before you budget.
| Your circumstance | Maximum per fortnight (from 20 September 2026) |
|---|---|
| Single (Parenting Payment Single) | $1,037.50 plus a Pension Supplement of $30.70 — $1,068.20 total |
Partnered rates: see the Services Australia Parenting Payment rates page.
On top of the rates above you may also receive the Energy Supplement, Rent Assistance, Family Tax Benefit and the Child Care Subsidy. These are maximum rates — your actual payment depends on your income and assets.
The income test
Centrelink reduces your Parenting Payment based on how much you (and your partner, if you have one) earn.
For single parents there's an income free area — you can earn up to that amount each fortnight before your payment starts reducing. At the time of writing that free area is $232.60 a fortnight, plus an extra $24.60 a fortnight for each child after the first. Above the free area, Parenting Payment Single reduces by 40 cents for every dollar you earn, which is the most generous taper of any income support payment. These thresholds are also indexed, so confirm current thresholds with Services Australia.
For partnered parents, both your income and your partner's income count.
Key things to know:
- Income is assessed fortnightly, in line with your reporting period.
- One-off payments (like a tax refund) usually don't count, but ongoing earnings do.
- Self-employment income, investment income and foreign income all count.
The assets test
You also need to pass an assets test. Assets include things like:
- Money in bank accounts and investments
- Property other than your principal home
- Cars, boats and caravans
- Business assets
The family home you live in is not counted. Limits are higher if you don't own your home.
How to apply for Parenting Payment
1. Set up a myGov account and link it to Centrelink. 2. Start a claim for Parenting Payment online. 3. Upload supporting documents — birth certificates, ID, income evidence, and proof of separation if you're a single parent. 4. Confirm your child's care arrangements. 5. Wait for a decision — most claims are processed within a few weeks.
If you've recently separated, you can usually claim from the date of separation, so don't delay starting the process.
What if I'm separated or going through a custody arrangement?
If you and the other parent share care, Parenting Payment generally goes to the parent assessed as the principal carer. Centrelink uses care percentages — usually based on the number of nights the child stays with each parent.
You can also be assessed as a single parent for Centrelink purposes even if you're still legally married, as long as you're genuinely separated.
Tips that can save you money
- Report your income on time every fortnight. Late reporting can pause your payment.
- Tell Centrelink straight away when your circumstances change (new job, moving in with a partner, change in care).
- Apply for Rent Assistance if you pay rent — many parents don't realise they qualify.
- Check whether you're eligible for the Pensioner Concession Card or Health Care Card — both can cut your bills.
How Bloom helps
Single parenting comes with a huge mental load: appointments, court dates, school forms, money in and out, custody nights, mood, energy.
Bloom is a calm, private app built to help carry that load — so you can keep track of what matters without it living in your head. It's not Centrelink, and it doesn't replace professional advice, but it gives you one quiet place for your family's day-to-day.
Where to get help
- Services Australia: 136 150 (Centrelink families line)
- Financial counsellors: free, independent help on 1800 007 007
- Family Relationship Advice Line: 1800 050 321