Parenting Payment

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

To get this payment you must meet all of the following:

  • be under the income and asset test limits

  • meet principal carer rules for a child under 14 if you’re single, or under 6 if you have a partner

  • meet residence rules
  • your partner is not currently getting Parenting Payment.

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: 2 November 2023.
QC 22196