If you’re expecting twins in Australia, navigating Centrelink’s benefits system can seem daunting. However, there are valuable financial aids available to ease the cost of welcoming two newborns. The Newborn Upfront Payment and the Newborn Supplement are two key benefits designed to provide support for new parents. In this article, we’ll break down the specifics of these payments, who is eligible, and what parents of twins need to know about these entitlements.
What is the Newborn Upfront Payment?
The Newborn Upfront Payment is a lump sum paid to families once they start caring for a newborn baby. This one-time payment is meant to help cover the initial costs that come with the arrival of a child, and it is non-taxable, providing relief without the stress of additional taxes.
For each child, including twins, the payment amount is $667. This support is especially valuable for parents of multiple children, as it is provided for each baby. It’s a helpful financial cushion in the first few days after the birth of your babies.
The Newborn Supplement
Along with the Upfront Payment, parents may also qualify for the Newborn Supplement, which is a recurring payment given for up to 13 weeks. The amount you receive depends on your family’s income and the number of children you have.
For parents expecting twins, this supplement can be particularly useful. If you meet the income criteria (for example, a family income under $100,900 for one child), you can receive up to $2,003.82 per child over the 13-week period. For any additional children, the amount is capped at $668.85 per child. If you’re eligible for the Family Tax Benefit Part A, you’re likely to be eligible for this supplement as well.
Eligibility for Centrelink Benefits for Parents of Twins
To qualify for the Newborn Upfront Payment and the Newborn Supplement, certain criteria must be met:
- Family Tax Benefit (FTB) Part A: You must qualify for this income-tested benefit.
- Care of a Newborn or Adopted Child: You must be the primary carer of a newborn or adopted child.
- No Double Benefits: You cannot receive both the Newborn Upfront Payment and Parental Leave Pay for the same child. However, for twins, you can receive Parental Leave Pay for one child and the Newborn Upfront Payment for the other.
Many parents of twins feel they miss out on additional support that is available to parents of triplets or higher-order multiples. The Multiple Birth Allowance, which offers extra support to parents of triplets, quadruplets, and more, is not available for twins. This has sparked criticism from organizations like the Australian Multiple Birth Association (AMBA), who argue that families with twins face similar challenges to those with triplets. Unfortunately, as of now, the allowance is limited to parents of triplets and more.
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How to Apply for the Newborn Upfront Payment
Applying for these payments is simple if you follow the steps online:
- Log in to MyGov: If you already have a MyGov account linked to Centrelink, you can begin the application process. If not, you’ll need to create an account.
- Link Centrelink to MyGov: Ensure your Centrelink account is linked to MyGov to access the Families section and complete your application.
- Apply for Family Tax Benefit (FTB) Part A: When you apply for this benefit, Centrelink will automatically assess your eligibility for both the Newborn Upfront Payment and Newborn Supplement.
- Submit Proof of Birth: Once your twins are born, you’ll need to submit proof of birth to Centrelink. This can be done quickly through the Centrelink Express Plus App by uploading a photo of the birth certificate form provided by your hospital or midwife.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I receive both Parental Leave Pay and the Newborn Upfront Payment for twins?
- No, you cannot receive both payments for the same child. However, you can receive Parental Leave Pay for one child and the Newborn Upfront Payment for the other.
Q2: Is there additional financial support for parents of twins?
- Unfortunately, twins are not eligible for the Multiple Birth Allowance, which is available to parents of triplets or higher-order multiples. Advocacy groups are pushing for this to change, but as of now, the allowance is only offered to parents of triplets or more.
Q3: Can I claim the Newborn Upfront Payment if I adopt twins?
- Yes, adoptive parents of twins can receive the Newborn Upfront Payment, as long as the children are adopted as part of the same process and are under 12 months old.
With these benefits, parents of twins can get some financial relief, though there are gaps in support compared to families with triplets or more. Applying early through MyGov ensures you can access the full benefits available to you.