Family tax benefit can feel confusing when income limits, child ages, and study rules keep changing. Many families miss support because they overlook Part A and Part B rules. Others lose payment rate accuracy when combined family income changes during the financial year.
Services Australia also checks immunisation, approved study, and Healthy Start for School requirements. This article shows how to get the family tax benefit, work out your rate, and claim correctly.
What is the Family Tax Benefit?
Family Tax Benefit is a two-part payment that helps with the cost of raising children. Services Australia administers FTB through Centrelink services for eligible Australian families nationwide. The payment supports dependent child care, especially when household income is under pressure.
Part A usually assists each child, while Part B focuses on family circumstances. Your rate changes with family income, care arrangements, and a child’s age. Families can check eligibility and payment details through official Services Australia tools.
Family Tax Benefit Calculator
The Family Tax Benefit calculator helps estimate possible FTB entitlements before you claim. Services Australia’s Payment Finder asks about income, care, child ages, and relationships. It then matches those answers with current financial-year payment rules online quickly.
You can also update your family income estimate during the year if circumstances change. After year-end, Services Australia balances FTB against actual income and confirms payments. Using the FTB calculator early can prevent surprises and reduce overpayment risk later.
Family Tax Benefit Part A
FTB Part A pays per child and usually gives the larger family assistance share. For 2025-26, the maximum rate reaches $227.36 for children aged 0 to 12. Children aged 13 to 15, or 16 to 19 in the study, can receive $295.82.
The FTB Part A supplement can add up to $938.05 per eligible child yearly. Families receive the supplement after Services Australia balances payments at financial year-end. The actual payment rate depends on age, income, care, and child support.
Eligibility and Study Requirements:
You may qualify for FTB Part A if you care for a dependent child. The child must be aged 15 or younger, or 16 to 19 in study. Study requirements include full-time secondary study, an acceptable study load, or an approved exemption. Eligible carers include foster parents, legal guardians, adoptive parents, single parents, and step parents. Your child also needs immunisation requirements and Healthy Start for School compliance, where they apply.
Part A Income Test and Income Limit:
The tables below show how Services Australia uses Adjusted Taxable Income (ATI) to determine eligibility and payment rates for FTB Part A. They outline the combined income thresholds at which payments and services begin to reduce, as well as the base-rate income limits for families with one child in different age groups.
FTB Part A Rates
| Adjusted Taxable Income (ATI) | FTB Part A Payment Rate |
|---|---|
| Up to $66,722 | Maximum rate payable |
| $66,723 – $118,771 | Payment is reduced by 20 cents for every extra $1 of income |
| Above $118,771 | Payment is reduced by 30 cents for every extra $1 of income until payment reaches zero |
Base-Rate Income Limits (One Child)
| Child’s Age | Base-Rate Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 0–12 years | $86,852 |
| 13–15 years | $95,776 |
| 16–19 years (in secondary study) | $95,776 |
Part A Payment Rate and Supplement:
Family Tax Benefit (FTB) Part A payment rates vary based on a child’s age, family income, and eligibility circumstances. The tables below outline the current base and maximum rate of FTB Part A, as well as the income requirements for receiving the FTB Part A supplement and when it is paid.
| FTB Part A Rate Type | Amount (per child, per fortnight) | Eligibility / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Base Rate | $72.94 | Available under current FTB Part A rules, subject to eligibility requirements. |
| Maximum Rate (Child aged 0–12) | $227.36 | Applies to eligible families with children aged 0 to 12 years. |
| Maximum Rate (Child aged 13–19 in secondary study) | $295.82 | Applies to eligible families with dependent children aged 13 to 19 who are undertaking secondary study. |
FTB Part A Supplement
Family Tax Benefit Part B
FTB Part B supports single parents, grandparent carers, and couples with one main income. It helps when one adult carries the main earning responsibility and care load. For 2025-26, the payment depends on your youngest child’s age and income. The maximum rate is $193.34 for ages 0 to 4 and $134.96 for ages 5 to 18. Services Australia also pays a yearly supplement of up to $459.90 per family.
Eligibility and Study Requirements:
You may qualify for FTB Part B if you are a single parent or grandparent carer. Couples can also qualify when one main income supports a dependent child under 13. Children aged 16 to 18 need full-time secondary study, an approved course, or exemption. Eligible carers must also meet residence rules, care for at least 35%, and the income test.
Part B Income Test and Maximum Rate:
The primary earner cannot exceed $120,007 annually, or FTB Part B ends. Secondary earners can earn up to $6,935 before payments start reducing. Over that amount, Services Australia reduces FTB Part B by 20 cents per dollar. The maximum rate is $193.34 for children aged 0 to 4 and $134.96 for ages 5 to 18.
Part B Payment and Payment Rate:
FTB Part B pays per family, not per child, unlike Part A. Your payment rates can change with care percentage, income, and Parental Leave Pay. Services Australia balances the payment after the financial year to confirm the right amount. The yearly supplement can add up to $459.90 if you remain eligible.
How to Get FTB?
Family Tax Benefit helps eligible families get support with raising children across Australia. Services Australia pays Part A per child and Part B per family, depending on circumstances. You can claim the family tax benefit through myGov, then track progress in your Centrelink online account. Part B helps families with one main income, and grandparent carers and non-parent carers often qualify too.
Keep your family income estimate current, because Services Australia balances family assistance after each financial year. Children aged 16 to 19 need full-time secondary study, an acceptable study load, or an exemption. Part A may also require immunisation and Healthy Start for School checks.
Application Process:
First, check eligibility, residence rules, and child requirements on Services Australia’s claim page. Next, submit your claim online or claim a new child within 52 weeks. If you choose a lump sum, lodge it before 30 June of the following financial year.
If needed, provide supporting documents and nominate an authorised representative for someone else. Afterwards, update income changes promptly, especially before each new financial year begins.
FTB Payment Details:
FTB Part A is paid per eligible child, while FTB Part B is paid per family. Rates change from 1 July each financial year and depend on adjusted taxable income. Part A’s base rate is $72.94, and it is not the minimum rate of FTB Part A.
Part B’s maximum rate is $193.34 for younger children, or $134.96 for older children. Supplements are paid after balancing, with Part A reaching $938.05 and Part B $459.90.
Conclusion
The family tax benefit remains important for families carrying the cost of raising children in Australia. Part a and part b use different rules, so checking your combined family income matters. You should review your FTB Part A income, your payment rate, and the maximum rate regularly. Families with one main income, single carers, grandparent carers, and members of a couple may qualify differently.
Keep records updated before the end of the financial year because that timing affects supplements and balances. Official Services Australia pages provide current rates, claim steps, and balancing details. Which FTB question do you want answered next?
FAQs
1. Does a child aged 16 to 19 still count for FTB?
Yes, if they are a full-time secondary student aged 16 to 19 and meet the rules. They must also satisfy approved study requirements where applicable.
2. Do immunisation and Healthy Start for School requirements matter?
Yes, some children must meet immunisation requirements and Healthy Start for School requirements for Part A. Services Australia may reduce Part A payments when these apply and are not met.
3. When do FTB payments and balancing happen?
Services Australia works out your rate across the financial year, which runs from 1 July to 30 June. It balances your payments after the end of the financial year and may pay supplements later.
4. How do I get the FTB?
Use Services Australia’s online claim process and your myGov-linked Centrelink account for lodging an online claim. You can also lodge a lump sum claim before the yearly deadline if eligible.
5. What is the maximum rate of FTB Part B?
If your income is $120,007 or less, you can get the maximum Part B rate. The maximum rate depends on your youngest child’s age.