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Parents - Parenting Payment
Parenting Payment is for a person who is the “principal carer” of a dependent child.
The “principal carer” is the person who is “wholly or substantially” caring for the child.
The “principal carer” does not have to be the child’s natural parent.
Who is parenting payment for?
show moreParenting Payment is for a person who is the “principal carer” of a dependent child.
If you are single, the dependent child must be under 8.
If you are a member of a couple, the dependent child must be under 6.
Who is a principal carer?
show moreGenerally, the principal carer is the person who spends the most time being responsible for and caring for the child on a day-to-day basis.
- This person may not necessarily be the child’s natural parent.
For example, the principal carer could be a relative who has taken on the responsibility of caring for the child, because the parent is unwilling or unable to do this.
We both care for our son; can we both be the principal carer?
show moreNo. Even if you share the care of a child equally, only one person at a time can be the “principal carer” and receive Parenting Payment.
How come my friend gets Parenting Payment for her kids but I don�t for mine?
show moreIt depends upon when you claimed payment and upon the age of your children.
If you have been receiving Parenting Payment since before 1st July 2006, you may continue to receive it until your youngest child turns 16.
If you claimed Parenting Payment after 1st July 2006, you may continue to receive it until
- your youngest child turns 8, if you are single
- your youngest child turns 6, if you are a member of a couple.
If you lose eligibility for Parenting Payment for more than 12 weeks for any reason, such as the level of your income, or because you become partnered, you will be subject to the new rules if you reclaim.
Depending on the age of your youngest dependent child, you may have to claim another payment, such as Newstart Allowance.
My ex has told Centrelink he is now the carer
show moreIf your child has been removed from your care without your consent, it may still be possible for you to continue to be paid Parenting Payment while you “take reasonable steps” to recover care of your child.
If your child has been taken from your care and your Parenting Payment has been cancelled you can appeal.
• Contact your local welfare rights centre for advice.
What is the difference between Parenting Payment Single and Parenting Payment Partnered?
show moreParenting Payment Partnered (PPP) is paid at a lower rate than Parenting Payment Single (PPS).
PPS can continue until your youngest child turns 8.
PPP can continue until your youngest child turns 6.
If you are a member of a couple, your partner’s income and assets are taken into account.
It is very important to tell Centrelink if your relationship status changes.
If you do not tell Centrelink when you become partnered, you risk debt and even prosecution.
Centrelink thinks I am partnered so they have cancelled my payment....
show moreIf Centrelink decides that you are a member of a couple but you disagree, you can appeal.
You can ask Centrelink to continue to pay you while they consider your appeal.
This is called “payment pending review”.
If your appeal is unsuccessful, you will have to pay back the money.
If you were receiving Parenting Payment Single while you were a member of a couple, Centrelink will raise a debt.
- There is also the risk that you will be prosecuted.
This is a complex issue. Contact your local Welfare Rights Centre for advice.
I have been offered some work. What happens to my Parenting Payment?
show moreYour payment rate may reduce, according to how much you earn.
If you earn above a certain amount, then you will lose your eligibility to Parenting Payment.
- Ask Centrelink about how much you can earn before you lose eligibility.
If you first claimed Parenting Payment before July 2006 you need to be aware that if you lose eligibility for Parenting Payment for more than 12 weeks, you will be subject to the new rules.
Depending on the age of your youngest dependent child, you may have to claim another payment, such as Newstart Allowance.
Does the rate of Parenting Payment increase for big families?
show moreNo. Parenting Payment is paid at a flat rate, regardless of the number of children in your care.
The rate of Family Tax Benefit changes according to the age and number of children in your care.
Will I have Participation Requirements while I am getting Parenting Payment?
show moreYou may have to:
- enter into an Employment Pathway Plan
- look for part-time work
- participate in employment services
- and/or undertake work experience.
You can meet your participation requirements through a combination of activities adding up to 15 hours per week:
- part-time paid work and/or
- part-time study and/or
- voluntary work which will help you towards paid work.
Centrelink will contact you to arrange a “Participation Interview”.
You don’t need to do anything until Centrelink contacts you.
What other help is available?
show moreYou may be able to get a Pensioner Concession Card.
The rules are complex, ask Centrelink.
Where can I get further information or help?
show more- Factsheet: Parenting Payment
- On this site: Disagree with Centrelink?
- Factsheet: Appeals – how to appeal against a Centrelink decision
- Contact your local Welfare Rights Centre
- Contact Centrelink
The Welfare Rights Centre would like to thank the National Welfare Rights Network for permitting the links to their factsheets and self-help materials.