Families in Australia are continuing to feel the pressure of higher costs in food, rent, bills, and childcare. In response, Services Australia has adjusted the Parenting Payment 2025 rates, boosting the maximum benefit for single parents to $1,039.70 plus an additional $16.20 supplement per fortnight. This increase ensures that parents have more financial support to meet daily needs, particularly those households with fewer resources.
The Parenting Payment remains one of the most important social security programs for low-income families, single parents, and carers who are balancing child-rearing responsibilities with financial challenges. Here’s a closer look at how the $1,039.70 + $16.20 benefit works, who qualifies, and how parents can access this ongoing support.
What the Parenting Benefit Is
The Parenting Benefit, also known as Parenting Payment, is a fortnightly Centrelink payment designed to help eligible parents provide for their children. Unlike one-off cash boosts, this payment is ongoing and regular, delivered directly into the recipient’s bank account every two weeks.
For 2025, the maximum benefit available to a single parent is $1,039.70, with an extra $16.20 supplement included. Together, this adds up to $1,055.90 per fortnight. This adjustment reflects cost-of-living increases and is indexed regularly to ensure the support keeps pace with inflation.
Why the Payment Matters in 2025
Rising rental costs, higher grocery prices, and growing utility bills in 2025 have left many Australian families under strain. Parents on low incomes are particularly vulnerable, with limited means to cover all household expenses.
The Parenting Payment is aimed at covering essentials such as:
- Rent or mortgage costs
- Food and groceries
- Utilities like power, water, and internet
- Clothing and school supplies
- Child-related costs such as medical care and transport
Beyond daily living, the payment also provides a sense of security, allowing parents the breathing space to plan, budget, and focus on raising their children.
Parenting Benefit Rates 2025
As at September 2025, the current maximum payment rates are:
| Category | Fortnightly Base Payment | Supplement | Total Fortnightly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Parent | $1,039.70 | $16.20 | $1,055.90 |
| Partnered Parent | Adjusted based on income | Included | Variable |
Partnered parents generally receive a lower rate, as the household income is assessed jointly. Supplement payments are factored into both categories, ensuring an additional amount to cover cost-of-living pressures.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Parenting Payment, applicants must meet several eligibility tests:
- Residency: Must be an Australian resident and present in the country when claiming.
- Child’s Age:
- For single parents: the youngest child must be under 8 years old.
- For partnered parents: the youngest child must be under 6 years old.
- Primary Carer Status: Only the child’s primary carer is eligible.
- Income and Asset Test: Payments are reduced or cut off if household income and assets exceed the thresholds. Home ownership is not counted as an asset, but savings and investments are.
- Work and Activity Requirements: Depending on circumstances, especially for partnered parents or those with older children, Centrelink may require participation in work, job search, or approved study programs.
By meeting these conditions, parents ensure ongoing access to this vital financial support.
How Payments Are Made
The Parenting Benefit is deposited every fortnight via Centrelink into the bank account nominated by the recipient. Most families receive payments on a set schedule that continues even if the due date falls during a public holiday.
Parents can check their next due date through:
- Their myGov online account linked to Centrelink
- The Express Plus Centrelink mobile app
- Direct notifications from Services Australia
How to Apply or Update Your Claim
Parents who are not yet receiving the payment can apply through myGov or at a Centrelink office by providing:
- Proof of identity (such as driver’s licence or passport)
- Child’s birth certificate
- Financial details including income, assets, and bank information
- Any additional documents requested, such as proof of caregiving arrangements
For those already receiving payments, it is important to keep information up to date. Parents should:
- Update bank account details in myGov to avoid payment delays
- Inform Centrelink of income changes to avoid overpayments
- Provide asset declarations if requested
- Submit periodic reports when required, depending on the benefit category
How to Access Payments Faster
Families waiting for approval can help speed up their claim by:
- Submitting full documentation at the time of application
- Keeping personal and contact details current
- Linking their bank account early for direct deposits
- Responding quickly to requests from Centrelink for verification
Delays usually occur due to missing documents or outdated information.
Parenting Benefit and Cost-of-Living Pressure
The government’s decision to raise the Parenting Payment in 2025 highlights the importance of supporting households with children during a time of rising costs. Many advocacy groups have long argued that social security benefits were not keeping up with real expenses. With this rise, single parents in particular have a stronger safety net.
It is also part of a broader cost-of-living strategy that includes updates to pensions, disability support, and carer payments. For families, this ensures that financial assistance remains relevant and effective as inflation impacts basic needs.
Future Outlook
The current update ensures families are better supported in 2025, but Services Australia has already indicated that payments will continue to be reviewed in 2026. This ongoing adjustment system guarantees that benefits reflect real economic conditions, preventing households from falling too far behind.
Final Thoughts
The $1,039.70 + $16.20 Parenting Benefit in 2025 is a critical support measure that helps families manage everyday expenses at a time when living costs are surging. Paid fortnightly, it provides a stable and predictable income for single parents and partnered parents who meet eligibility conditions.
By keeping details current with Centrelink and ensuring all information is correctly submitted, families can rely on receiving payments without disruption. For many, this support is more than just financial—it is an essential foundation that allows them to focus on raising their children while managing rising household expenses.