If you're a single parent in Australia, the support system can feel like an obstacle course — different payments, different rules, different forms. This guide breaks down every major payment you may be entitled to as a single mum or single dad, and how they fit together.
The big picture
Single parent support in Australia is mostly delivered through Centrelink (Services Australia), with some help also coming from the ATO, your state government, and community organisations.
The main payments to know about are:
- Parenting Payment Single
- Family Tax Benefit (Part A and Part B)
- Child Care Subsidy
- Rent Assistance
- JobSeeker Payment (once your child is older)
- Crisis Payment and Special Benefit
1. Parenting Payment Single
This is the headline payment for most single parents with a young child.
- For single parents whose youngest child is under 14.
- Includes Pension Supplement and Energy Supplement.
- Subject to income and assets tests.
If you've recently separated, you can apply straight away — you don't need to wait for divorce paperwork.
2. Family Tax Benefit (FTB)
FTB has two parts. Most single parents will receive both.
FTB Part A Paid per child to help with the cost of raising children. Rate depends on your income and the child's age.
FTB Part B An extra payment for families with one main income — which includes single-parent families. Rate depends on the age of your youngest child.
You can choose to get FTB fortnightly or as a lump sum after the end of the financial year.
3. Child Care Subsidy (CCS)
CCS pays a percentage of your approved child care fees direct to the provider. Single-parent families on low to middle incomes usually get a high subsidy rate. You'll need:
- A CRN (Centrelink reference number) for you and your child
- An approved child care provider
- Your activity hours assessed by Centrelink
4. Rent Assistance
If you're renting and receiving Parenting Payment, FTB Part A or JobSeeker, you usually qualify for extra Rent Assistance. Many single parents miss this because Centrelink doesn't always prompt you to apply.
5. JobSeeker Payment
Once your youngest child turns 14, Parenting Payment Single usually stops and you may move to JobSeeker Payment with single principal carer rules (lower mutual obligation requirements).
6. Crisis Payment and Special Benefit
If you've left a violent relationship, been released from prison, or experienced another extreme circumstance, you may be eligible for a one-off Crisis Payment on top of your usual payment. Special Benefit can also help people in severe financial hardship who can't get other payments.
7. Concession cards
As a single parent on Centrelink, you'll usually receive either:
- Pensioner Concession Card (with Parenting Payment Single), or
- Health Care Card
Either card gives you discounts on prescriptions, utilities, public transport (state-dependent), and many local council services.
8. Child Support
Child support is separate from Centrelink. It's money paid by the other parent towards the cost of raising your child, and it's administered by Services Australia.
Important: if you're claiming more than the base rate of FTB Part A, you generally need to take reasonable action to apply for child support.
9. State and territory help
On top of federal support, your state may offer:
- School-related allowances (uniforms, textbooks, camps)
- Back to School payments
- Energy and utility concessions
- Public housing or rent assistance schemes
Check your state government website for current programs.
10. Community and charity support
Don't overlook services like:
- The Smith Family — education support for kids
- The Salvation Army and Vinnies — food, bills, no-interest loans
- Anglicare and Mission Australia — counselling, financial counselling, housing
- 1800RESPECT — confidential support if you've experienced family violence
Centrelink benefits for single parents at a glance
| Payment | Who it's for | How it's paid |
|---|---|---|
| Parenting Payment Single | Single parents whose youngest child is under 14 | Fortnightly income support |
| Family Tax Benefit Part A | Per child, based on family income | Fortnightly or annual lump sum |
| Family Tax Benefit Part B | Single-parent and single-income families | Fortnightly or annual lump sum |
| Child Care Subsidy | Families using approved child care | Paid to your child care provider |
| Rent Assistance | Renters getting Parenting Payment, FTB A or JobSeeker | Added to your fortnightly payment |
| JobSeeker Payment | Single parents once the youngest turns 14 | Fortnightly income support |
| Crisis Payment | People in extreme circumstances, such as leaving violence | One-off payment |
How to apply for a single parent payment
Most single parent payments are claimed the same way, through myGov:
1. Create a myGov account at my.gov.au and link Centrelink to it. If you don't have a CRN, you can verify your identity online or at a service centre. 2. Choose "Make a claim" and select Families, then the payment you want — Parenting Payment, Family Tax Benefit or Child Care Subsidy. 3. Enter your separation details. You can claim as a single parent from the date you separated, even if you're still legally married and even if you're still under the same roof. 4. Upload your documents — photo ID, your child's birth certificate, proof of income and, if relevant, rent details for Rent Assistance. 5. Confirm care arrangements and the percentage of nights your child is with you. 6. Submit and track the claim in your Centrelink online account. Most family claims are decided within a few weeks, and payment is usually backdated to your claim date.
Tip: claim early, even if you're still gathering paperwork. Centrelink generally pays from the date you start the claim, not the date you finish it.
Single mum payments — what most single mothers receive
There's no single payment called a "single mum payment". In practice, most single mothers in Australia receive a combination of:
- Parenting Payment Single while the youngest child is under 14
- Family Tax Benefit Part A and Part B
- Rent Assistance if renting privately
- Child Care Subsidy if using approved care
- A Pensioner Concession Card for cheaper medicines and utilities
- Child support from the other parent, assessed separately by Services Australia
The same payments apply to single dads — eligibility is based on being the principal carer, not on gender. See our guides on support for single mums and support for single dads.
How to make sure you're getting everything
1. Log into myGov and check your Centrelink Payments and Claims page. 2. Use the Payment and Service Finder on the Services Australia website. 3. Talk to a free financial counsellor on 1800 007 007. 4. Update your circumstances any time things change — income, care percentage, address, relationship.
How Bloom helps single parents
Bloom is a private space for single parents to keep track of family life — appointments, custody nights, school events, expenses, your own mood and energy. It doesn't replace Centrelink or a financial counsellor, but it helps you stay on top of the mental load that comes with running a household solo.