The Brisbane Kids guide to Government Payments for Families

NOTE: This information is current as at April 2023.

It’s daunting, but unavoidable. Almost all Brisbane parents have to wrap their heads around the many government payments for families and the other subsidies that are available.  With paperwork starting before you’ve even left the maternity ward (or before if you’re really organised) is a good idea to be informed as early as possible. With new payment schemes coming into play from July 2023, it might be worth checking if the details you had are still going to be correct when your baby arrives too.  

Brisbane Kids has outlined some of the main payments, but families should contact the Department of Human Services for an exhaustive list of available support.

Government Payments for Families with New Babies

Paid parental leave:

The Federal Government introduced a national paid parental leave scheme in 2011. From 1 July 2023, your child’s date of birth or adoption affects Parental Leave Pay. This includes who can get it, how much you get and when you get paid. Until that date, eligible working parents can apply for up to 18 weeks of leave paid at the national minimum wage. Dads and partners can also apply for up to two weeks pay.

From 1 July 2023, you can apply for a payment for up to 100 days, or 20 weeks, while you care for a child born.

An explanation of the payments, links to the eligibility requirements and application details can be found here.

If you’re not eligible for Parental Leave Pay, you may still be able to get both Newborn Upfront Payment and Newborn Supplement.

Newborn Upfront Payment and Newborn Supplement:

This payment of 13 fortnightly instalments is available for parents of a new child, but only if you or your partner has not received Paid Parental Leave for the child.  You must also be eligible for Family Tax Benefit (FTB) Part A.  You can find out more about whether or not you meet the requirements for the Newborn Upfront Payment and Newborn Supplement here.

Family tax benefit:

Famly tax benefit is a 2-part payment to help with the cost of raising children.  This core benefit encompasses Family Tax Benefit Part A and Part B. Everyone who has a dependent child or secondary student aged under 20, provides care for the child for at least 35% of the time and meets an income test should explore what they might be eligible for.  Visit the Department of Human Services website.

FTB may include a one-off lump sum of Newborn Upfront Payment. FTB may also include Newborn Supplement, which is an increase to your FTB for 13 weeks.

Government Payments for Parents Returning to Work

Parenting Payment:

Parenting Payment is income support you may be able to get if you’re the principal carer for a child who is either under 8 if you’re single or under 6 if you’re partnered.  This payment is means tests and there are a few other conditions as well.  Further details can be found here.

Child Care Subsidy:

This payment helps with the cost of various different types of child care. It’s means tested, so applicants have to meet an income test to receive more than a zero rate of payment. Your child must also be under the age of 13 for you to be eligible. Details can be found here.

Additional Child Care Subsidy:

You may also be able to get Additional Child Care Subsidy if you’re studying, training, looking for a job or working, experiencing temporary financial hardship or caring for your grandchild.

Government Payments for Families with School Aged Children

ABSTUDY:

Youth Allowance for Students and Apprentices:

If you have a child who is between the ages of 16 and 24 who is either studying full time or doing a full time Australian apprenticeship, then they may be eligible for Youth Allowance.

Child Dental Benefits Schedule:

If you have a child who is under 17 and you receive a government payment at least once a year, then you are probably eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule.  Covering part or full cost of some basic dental services, this is a scheme that ensure parents can afford to keep regular dental checks for their children.

Government Payments for Families with Children with Special Needs

Assistance for Isolated Children Scheme:

The Assistance for Isolated Children Scheme is a group of payments for parents and carers of children who can’t go to a local state school. This could be because of geographical isolation, disability or special needs.  To be eligible for the Assistance for Isolated Children Scheme, your child must meet certain living, age and study requirements.  

Child Disability Assistance Payment:

Child Disability Assistance Payment is a yearly payment. It helps with the costs of caring for a child with disability. To be eligible, you must get Carer Allowance for a child younger than 16.

Carer Adjustment Payment:

A one-off payment, Carer Adjustment Payment is available for parents if their child is under 7 years of age and suffering from either a severe illness, medical condition or major disability. There are a number of conditions that must be met to receive this.  You can find more information about the payment here.

Carer Payment:

Carer Payment works as a constant form of income support for people who care for a child with an ongoing severe disability or illness. It is based on an income / assets means tested, with the child requiring care scoring high enough on the assessment tools used for an adult or child.  

Find out more about government payments for families

Details for all of the above are available on the Department of Human Services website. You can also phone the Families section on 136 150 between 8am and 8pm on weekdays. But sometimes it really is best to speak with an expert.

Centrelink offices are located throughout Brisbane. Customers are often greeted at the door by someone who’s responsible for ‘triaging’ enquiries. Some questions can be answered on the spot. If matters are more complicated, there’s an orderly process for waiting until the relevant representative is available to help. We recommend taking identification and a list of queries.

Good luck! It’ll all be worth it in the end.

Our Community Resources section has a wealth of valuable information for families in Brisbane, including Crisis Help for Families in Need.