Family Tax Benefit Australia — Part A, Part B, Eligibility and Rates
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Contents
Family Tax Benefit (FTB) is a government payment for families with dependent children. It is split into two parts — Part A and Part B — each with different eligibility rules and income tests.
Key Takeaways
- FTB Part A: a payment per dependent child, reduced as family income rises
- FTB Part B: a payment for families with one main income earner, or single parents
- You can receive FTB fortnightly or as a lump sum at tax time
- You must reconcile your FTB at end of financial year via your tax return
- Subject to income tests — if your income exceeds the threshold, FTB reduces or stops
Family Tax Benefit Part A
FTB Part A is paid for each eligible child in your care aged under 16 (or under 20 if in full-time approved study).
FTB Part A maximum fortnightly rates (FY2025–26, per child)
| Child’s age | Maximum fortnightly rate (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Under 13 | ~$222 |
| 13–15 | ~$288 |
| 16–19 (secondary study) | ~$288 |
Rates are indexed in July each year. Verify at servicesaustralia.gov.au.
FTB Part A income test
FTB Part A reduces as family income rises. There are two income test thresholds:
Lower income threshold (~$60,900 combined family income):
- Below this, you receive the maximum rate
- Above this, Part A reduces by $0.20 for every dollar over the threshold
Upper income threshold (after reduction from lower threshold):
- Part A continues to reduce until it reaches the base rate (~$65/fortnight per child)
- Above an upper cut-off income, no Part A is payable
Higher-income families should use the Services Australia online estimator to estimate their entitlement.
Family Tax Benefit Part B
FTB Part B is a payment for families with one main earner — either single parents or couples where one partner earns significantly less.
FTB Part B maximum fortnightly rates (FY2025–26)
| Youngest child’s age | Maximum fortnightly rate (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Under 5 | ~$184 |
| 5–13 | ~$128 |
| 13–18 (if partnered) | Not available (stops when youngest turns 13 for partnered families) |
Single parents can receive FTB Part B until their youngest child turns 18.
FTB Part B income test
- The primary earner (higher income partner) must have income under ~$117,000 to be eligible
- If the primary earner’s income is above ~$117,000, no FTB Part B is payable
- The secondary earner’s income reduces Part B by $0.20 for every dollar above ~$6,059/year
Other FTB Supplements
FTB Part A supplement
An end-of-year top-up payment. You must reconcile your actual income at tax time to receive the supplement.
FTB Part B supplement
Also paid at end of year after reconciliation.
Multiple birth supplement
An additional payment if you have triplets or more.
How to Claim Family Tax Benefit
- Estimate your income — you provide an expected income for the financial year
- Claim online via myGov → Centrelink → Payment and Claims
- Choose fortnightly payments or to claim as a lump sum at end of year
- Reconcile at tax time — when you lodge your tax return, the ATO and Services Australia compare your estimated income to your actual income and adjust your FTB accordingly
If you received too much FTB during the year (because your income was higher than estimated), you may have a debt to repay. If you received too little, you receive a top-up.
Immunisation and FTB
To receive the full FTB Part A rate, your children must be up to date with the Australian immunisation schedule. If your child is not vaccinated (without an approved exemption such as a medical exemption), your Part A will be reduced by $28.28 per child per fortnight.
FAQ
Does both parents’ income count for FTB? Yes — for FTB Part A, both partners’ income is combined. For FTB Part B, the lower-income partner’s income is assessed separately against the secondary earner threshold.
Can I get FTB if I have shared custody? FTB is paid to the carer who has the child for the majority of nights per year (more than 35%). If care is shared 50/50, each parent may receive a portion of FTB.
What happens if I don’t lodge my tax return? You must lodge your tax return to reconcile FTB. If you don’t, Services Australia may calculate that you owe money or stop future FTB payments.
Is FTB taxable income? No — Family Tax Benefit is not taxable income and does not need to be included on your tax return as income.
See also: Parental Leave Pay | Child Care Subsidy | Centrelink Payments Guide
For advice tailored to your family situation, speak with a licensed financial adviser or social worker via MoneySmart.