Centrelink FTB Part A & B Payments 2025 — Eligibility, Rates & Dates

Raising kids in Australia is expensive—it’s not just school uniforms and lunchboxes, it’s rent, bills, transport, and the never-ending grocery list. That’s why the Family Tax Benefit (FTB) scheme has become a financial lifeline for many households. And in 2025, both Part A and Part B payments have been updated, giving families a clearer path to extra support.

For parents juggling tight budgets, this benefit is more than numbers on a page—it’s money that helps keep the lights on, food on the table, and kids enrolled in school activities without breaking the bank.

Breaking Down FTB Part A & B in 2025

FTB comes in two flavours: Part A and Part B. Both are designed to cover different family structures.

• FTB Part A looks at your overall household income and the number of dependent children. It’s the main support stream for low-to-middle income families.
• FTB Part B is more targeted—it’s for single parents or families where only one partner is earning.

Here’s the 2025 breakdown:

Payment Type	Child Age Range	Fortnightly Amount
FTB Part A	16 to 19 years (in school)	$288.82
FTB Part A (approved care organisation)	Any age (under care)	$71.26
FTB Part B	0 to 4 years	$188.86
FTB Part B	5 to 18 years	$131.74

Payments land directly into your bank account every two weeks.

Why This Matters

The point of the scheme isn’t just handing out cash—it’s about helping families cover daily living costs so children aren’t disadvantaged because of their parents’ income bracket. Think school books, public transport, internet bills, sports fees—the small but essential expenses that stack up quickly.

With living costs rising, especially in cities like Sydney and Melbourne, the FTB is one way the government softens the blow for households with kids.

Eligibility Rules You Need to Know

Eligibility isn’t one-size-fits-all. Here’s the rundown:

FTB Part A:

• Must live in Australia as a resident.
• Have a dependent child under 18 (or up to 19 if still in school).
• Meet an income test (thresholds vary by family size and number of kids).

FTB Part B:

• Available if you’re a single parent with a child under 18.
• Or, if you’re a couple with one income, the child must be under 12.
• Must meet the residency test and income rules.

If you’re unsure, Services Australia has an online eligibility checker that can give you an estimate.

How Much Will You Actually Get?

The amounts vary depending on family type and children’s ages:

• A single parent with a 3-year-old could receive $188.86 (Part B) plus Part A payments depending on income.
• A couple with a 17-year-old still in school could receive $288.82 (Part A) but might not qualify for Part B if both parents work.
• If a child is cared for by an approved organisation, the rate is lower ($71.26), but it’s designed to reflect that the child’s main costs are already covered.

These payments don’t include supplements—like the FTB Supplement, which is paid after the financial year ends once income is reconciled.

When to Expect the Money

The next round of payments will hit accounts in August 2025, continuing fortnightly. You can opt to take the full amount at the end of the financial year instead, but most families choose fortnightly payments to help with ongoing costs.

Your myGov account linked to Centrelink is the hub for payment schedules, adjustments, and any notices about changes.

Applying for FTB

Applying isn’t as intimidating as it sounds. Here’s the roadmap:

1. Check eligibility – confirm income, residency, and child’s age.
2. Collect documents – income statements, ID, and child’s school details.
3. Apply online – through Services Australia.
4. Upload documents – securely via myGov.
5. Wait for approval – once cleared, payments begin automatically.

Tip: Keep your Centrelink details—bank account, contact info, income reports—up to date to avoid delays or accidental overpayments.

Resident Rules

You need to be a resident of Australia to qualify. Temporary visa holders are generally excluded unless specific exemptions apply. And you must stay in the country while receiving payments.

Handy Tips to Keep in Mind

• Report changes quickly: a pay rise, moving house, or your child leaving school can all impact eligibility.
• Watch out for overpayments: Centrelink will claw back money if you get more than you’re entitled to.
• Payment choice: fortnightly payments vs. a lump sum—pick what suits your budgeting style.

Quick Summary Table

Feature	Details
Country	Australia
Authority	Services Australia (Centrelink)
Year	2025
Eligible Families	Low-income and single-income households
Payment Frequency	Fortnightly
Max Payment	$288.82 (Part A), $188.86 (Part B)
Next Payment	August 2025

Wrapping Up

The Family Tax Benefit isn’t a magic fix for the rising cost of living, but it’s a practical buffer. For some families, it means being able to say “yes” when their child asks to join a sports team. For others, it simply ensures groceries stretch to the end of the fortnight.

If you’re raising kids and money is tight, it’s worth checking whether you qualify. The payments may look small on paper, but they add up—and in a world where every dollar matters, that can make a real difference.

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