Raising children comes with its challenges, especially with the ongoing increase in the cost of living. To support families in managing these financial pressures, the Australian government offers the Family Tax Benefit (FTB). This payment helps families cover some of the costs of raising children. As of December 2024, eligible families can receive up to $288 per fortnight for children aged 13–19 years. Whether you are a new parent or navigating government assistance, this guide simplifies the process of claiming your Family Tax Benefit.
What Is the Family Tax Benefit?
The Family Tax Benefit is a financial support provided by the Australian government to help families with the cost of raising children. It consists of two parts:
- FTB Part A: A primary payment for families with dependent children aged 0–19 years.
- FTB Part B: Additional support for single parents or families with one primary income earner.
The payments are designed to help ensure that children have access to necessary resources like education, healthcare, and food, while also alleviating the financial burden on parents.
Who Is Eligible for the $288 Per Fortnight Family Tax Benefit?
Eligibility for the Family Tax Benefit depends on a combination of factors, including your income, residency status, and the situation of your child or children. Below are the key eligibility requirements:
Child-Related Requirements:
- FTB Part A: Available for children aged 0–15 years. For children aged 16–19, the benefit is provided if the child is:
- Enrolled in full-time secondary education or equivalent.
- Living at home and continuing their studies.
- FTB Part B: Available to families with children under 13 years and applies to single-parent households or families with one primary income earner. This can also apply even if the child is older.
Income Test:
Your family’s eligibility and payment amount are determined based on your adjusted taxable income (ATI).
- The maximum income threshold to receive the full benefit is $58,108 annually.
- Payments decrease as your income rises, but you might still qualify for partial benefits.
- For FTB Part B, secondary income must be under $10,900 per year unless you have a child under the age of 1.
Residency Rules:
To qualify, you must:
- Live in Australia.
- Be an Australian citizen, a permanent resident, or hold an eligible visa.
- Care for your child for at least 35% of the time.
Immunisation and Health Checks:
For FTB Part A, your child must meet National Immunisation Program requirements (unless exempted). Regular health checkups may be necessary, especially for younger children.
How Much Can You Receive?
The amount you can receive depends on your family’s situation, including the number of children and their ages. Below are the maximum fortnightly payment rates:
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- FTB Part A:
- $222.04 per child aged 0–12 years.
- $288.82 per child aged 13–19 years (provided study requirements are met).
- FTB Part B:
- $177.94 for families with children under 5 years.
- $124.84 for families with children aged 5–18 years (for single-parent families only).
These amounts are affected by income and other care-related factors, so it’s important to keep your information updated with Centrelink.
How to Claim the Family Tax Benefit?
Follow these simple steps to claim your Family Tax Benefit:
- Set Up a myGov Account:
- If you don’t already have a myGov account, create one.
- Link your Centrelink account to myGov for seamless access to your claims.
- Prepare Necessary Documents:
- Gather proof of your child’s birth or adoption (e.g., a birth certificate).
- Provide income details for yourself and your partner.
- Include details about any shared custody arrangements, if applicable.
- Submit Your Claim:
- Log in to your myGov account and go to Centrelink.
- Choose “Payments and Claims” and select “Family Tax Benefit.”
- Complete the online form and upload the required documents.
- Track Your Application:
- Centrelink will process your claim, and you can check its status via myGov or the Centrelink app.
- Choose Your Payment Option:
- You can choose to receive payments either fortnightly or as a lump sum after the financial year ends. Many families prefer fortnightly payments for more consistent cash flow, but others prefer lump sums for larger, planned expenses.
Practical Tips for Families
- Update Your Income Estimate: Make sure your income details are accurate to avoid overpayments or unexpected debts.
- Look for Additional Benefits: Families with children with special needs or medical conditions might qualify for extra support such as the Carer Payment or Child Disability Assistance Payment.
- Understand the Income Test: Use the Family Assistance Estimator on the Services Australia website to get an estimate of your benefits.
Example of How the Family Tax Benefit Helps
Take Sarah, a single mother of two children aged 10 and 15. Her adjusted taxable income is $50,000 per year. Sarah qualifies for both FTB Part A and Part B.
- She receives $222.04 per fortnight for her 10-year-old.
- She receives $288.82 per fortnight for her 15-year-old.
- As a single parent, she also gets $124.84 per fortnight from FTB Part B.
In total, Sarah receives $635.70 per fortnight, which helps ease the financial load of raising her children.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happens if my child finishes school early? If your child aged 16–19 leaves school early, they may no longer qualify for FTB Part A. Make sure to notify Centrelink to avoid overpayments.
- Can I backdate my claim? Yes, claims can usually be backdated up to 12 months if you meet the eligibility criteria during that time.
- Are FTB payments taxable? No, Family Tax Benefit payments are not taxable.
- How often do I need to update my details? You should update your details whenever there are changes to your income, family circumstances, or care arrangements.
By following this guide, you can easily navigate the process of claiming your Family Tax Benefit and ensure you’re receiving the financial support you’re entitled to.