Parenting Payment in Australia: who qualifies and how to claim
What is Parenting Payment?
Parenting Payment is a fortnightly Centrelink payment for the primary carer of a young child who is unable to work full-time due to caring responsibilities. It is paid in two variants: Parenting Payment Single (PPS) and Parenting Payment Partnered (PPP).
Eligibility
Parenting Payment Single (PPS) — for sole parents:
- You are single (no partner) and are the primary carer of at least one child under 8 years old.
- You meet the income and assets tests.
- You are lawfully resident in Australia (permanent resident, citizen, or holder of certain eligible visas).
Parenting Payment Partnered (PPP) — for couples:
- You are the primary carer of at least one child under 6 years old.
- You meet the income and assets tests.
- Your partner is not receiving the same or equivalent payment.
How much is Parenting Payment?
The payment amount depends on your income and circumstances. Maximum rates vary and are indexed regularly — check current rates at servicesaustralia.gov.au. In general:
- PPS is paid at a higher rate (closer to JobSeeker Single).
- PPP is paid at a lower rate.
Parenting Payment can be received alongside Family Tax Benefit A and B — they are independent payments and do not cancel each other out.
Income and assets tests
Income test: your income (and your partner’s, if applicable) reduces the payment amount once it exceeds a threshold, eventually reducing it to zero at higher income levels. PPS has a more generous threshold than PPP.
Assets test: total assets (home contents, savings, investments, vehicle) must fall below the relevant limit. The limit differs depending on whether you own or rent your home.
Mutual obligations
When receiving Parenting Payment, Centrelink may require you to meet certain activity requirements:
- PPS: from when your youngest child turns 6, you must participate in approved activities (job searching, training, volunteering).
- PPP: activity requirements begin from when your youngest child turns 6.
- Before these age thresholds, no activity requirements typically apply.
Exemptions are available for circumstances such as domestic violence or serious illness — speak to your Centrelink social worker.
How to claim
- Log in to myGov → Centrelink.
- Go to “Payments and Claims” → “Parenting Payment” → “Make a claim.”
- You will need: proof of identity (100 points), your child’s details (birth certificate or Medicare number), income and assets information for you and your partner (if applicable).
Claim as early as possible — Parenting Payment is generally not backdated beyond the date of claim. If you are transitioning from Parental Leave Pay (PPL), you can begin your Parenting Payment claim before PPL ends.
How Parenting Payment fits with other payments
| Payment | Compatible? |
|---|---|
| Family Tax Benefit A/B | Yes — fully independent |
| Parental Leave Pay (PPL) | No — PPL is paid first; PP can start after PPL ends |
| Childcare Subsidy (CCS) | Yes — independent |
| JobSeeker | No — mutually exclusive |
When your youngest child reaches the age limit (8 for PPS, 6 for PPP) and Parenting Payment ceases, Centrelink may automatically transition you to JobSeeker if you are looking for work. You will receive advance notification.