Parenting Payment

The main income support payment while you’re a young child’s main carer.

To get this payment all of the following must apply:

  • you’re under the income and asset test limits
  • you meet principal carer rules for a child under 14 if you’re single, or under 6 if you have a partner
  • you meet residence rules
  • your partner is not currently getting Parenting Payment.

If you’re single and your youngest child is 6 or over, you’ll need to meet mutual obligation requirements unless we give you an exemption.

Read the full conditions under Who can get it.

Parenting Payment is a separate payment from Family Tax Benefit and Parental Leave Pay. There are also other payments for families you may be able to get.

Page last updated: 3 June 2025.
QC 22196