Updated April 2026 14 min read

Family Tax Benefit Part A & B Explained (2025-26 Rates)

Family Tax Benefit (FTB) is one of the most important Centrelink payments for families with children in Australia. For migrant families, FTB is often the first payment you become eligible for because it has only a 1-year waiting period. This guide explains the current rates, income tests, and how to claim — with specific information for visa holders.

What Is Family Tax Benefit?

Family Tax Benefit (FTB) is a government payment to help families with the cost of raising children. It is administered by Services Australia through Centrelink and comes in two parts:

• FTB Part A — a per-child payment to help with the cost of raising children. The amount depends on the child's age and your family income
• FTB Part B — an extra payment for single-parent families and two-parent families where one parent earns a low income or does not work

FTB is paid in addition to other government payments. You can receive FTB alongside Parental Leave Pay, Child Care Subsidy, and income support payments like JobSeeker. It is one of the most widely claimed government payments in Australia, with millions of families receiving it.

FTB Part A Rates (2025-26)

FTB Part A is paid per child. The amount you receive depends on the child's age and your family income. There are two rate levels — maximum rate and base rate:

Maximum Rates (Per Fortnight, Per Child)

Base Rates (Per Fortnight, Per Child)

If your income is above the higher threshold, you may receive the base rate instead of the maximum rate:

The base rate is the minimum FTB Part A payment. Once your income reduces the maximum rate to the base rate level, the base rate continues until a second income test phases it out entirely.

FTB Part B Rates (2025-26)

FTB Part B provides extra help for single-parent families and families where one parent stays home or earns a low income. Unlike Part A, it is not paid per child — it is a per-family payment based on the age of the youngest child.

Maximum FTB Part B Rates

Who Can Get FTB Part B?

• Single parents — eligible regardless of income (though income test may reduce the amount)
• Couples — where the primary earner's income is below approximately $117,194 per year AND the lower earner's income is below approximately $6,497 per year for full rate (reduced rate applies up to about $30,305)
• Grandparent carers — may receive additional supplements

For couples, FTB Part B is specifically designed to support families where one parent is the primary carer. If both parents work full-time and earn similar incomes, you are unlikely to qualify for Part B. The payment is income-tested on the lower earner's income.

Income Tests Explained

Understanding the income tests is critical to knowing how much FTB you will receive. The tests are different for Part A and Part B.

FTB Part A Income Test

FTB Part A uses a two-part income test based on adjusted taxable income (ATI) — which includes taxable income, foreign income, reportable fringe benefits, and certain tax-free pensions:

1. Income Free Area: You receive the maximum rate if your family ATI is below approximately $62,634 per year
2. Taper Rate 1: Above the income free area, the payment reduces by 20 cents for every dollar of income over the threshold, until it reaches the base rate
3. Higher Income Free Area: The base rate is paid until family income reaches approximately $112,578 (for one child, higher for more children)
4. Taper Rate 2: Above the higher threshold, the base rate reduces by 30 cents per dollar until it reaches zero

FTB Part B Income Test

FTB Part B is tested on the lower earner's income in a couple:

• If the lower earner's ATI is below approximately $6,497, the full rate is paid
• Above $6,497, the payment reduces by 20 cents per dollar until it reaches zero
• For couples, the primary earner must also have income below approximately $117,194 to be eligible at all
• For single parents, the income test is more generous

Supplement Payments

In addition to the regular FTB payments, eligible families may receive supplement payments at the end of the financial year:

FTB Part A Supplement

A per-child payment of up to $916.15 per year, paid after the end of the financial year once your actual income is confirmed. You must lodge your tax return (or inform Centrelink you are not required to lodge) to receive the supplement.

FTB Part B Supplement

A per-family payment of up to $430.70 per year, also paid after reconciliation. Same conditions apply regarding tax return lodgement.

Newborn Supplement

If you are not eligible for Parental Leave Pay, you may receive the Newborn Supplement of up to $1,862.44 for your first child or $622.92 for subsequent children. This is paid fortnightly for up to 13 weeks. Read our guide to having a baby on a visa for more details.

Newborn Upfront Payment

A one-off payment of $663.56 for each newborn or newly adopted child, paid alongside the Newborn Supplement.

Visa Holder Eligibility

FTB eligibility for visa holders depends on your visa type and how long you have been in Australia:

Permanent Visa Holders

If you hold a permanent visa (189, 190, 186, 143, 801, 100, etc.), you can claim FTB after serving a 1-year NARWP. This is one of the shortest waiting periods for any Centrelink payment. Use our NARWP Countdown Tool to calculate when your 1-year period ends.

Partner Visa Holders (820/309)

Temporary partner visa holders (820 onshore, 309 offshore) may be able to claim FTB even before getting permanent residency, if:

• Their Australian partner (sponsor) is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or protected SCV holder
• The child lives with them in Australia
• They meet the FTB Part A income test

This is one of the few Centrelink payments available to temporary visa holders. Check with Services Australia for your specific situation.

Humanitarian Visa Holders

Refugee and humanitarian visa holders (200-204, 866) are exempt from the NARWP and can claim FTB immediately upon arrival in Australia.

Immunisation Requirements

To receive FTB Part A at the maximum rate, your children must meet immunisation requirements. Children must be up to date with their immunisations as per the National Immunisation Program Schedule, or have an approved exemption. If you have arrived from overseas, bring your children's immunisation records to your GP to be recorded on the Australian Immunisation Register.

How to Claim FTB

FTB is not automatic — you must lodge a claim. Here is how:

Step 1: Gather Your Information

• Your CRN (Centrelink Customer Reference Number) — see our Centrelink registration guide
• Children's birth certificates and immunisation records
• Your estimated family income for the financial year
• Your Tax File Number (and your partner's if applicable)
• Bank account details
• Rental agreement details (if applying for Rent Assistance with FTB)

Step 2: Lodge Your Claim

1. Sign in to myGov and go to Centrelink
2. Select "Make a claim" and choose "Families"
3. Complete the online claim form — you will be asked about your family situation, children's details, income, and housing
4. Upload supporting documents (birth certificates, immunisation records)
5. Submit and note your receipt number

Step 3: Choose Your Payment Method

You can receive FTB in two ways:

• Fortnightly instalments — based on your estimated income. Most families choose this option. Note that if your actual income is higher than estimated, you may have to repay some FTB at reconciliation
• Annual lump sum — paid after the end of the financial year once your actual income is confirmed through your tax return. No risk of overpayment, but you wait longer

Rent Assistance with FTB

If you receive FTB Part A above the base rate and pay rent, you may also be eligible for Rent Assistance. This is an extra payment to help with housing costs and can add a significant amount to your FTB payment.

Rent Assistance Rates (2025-26)

Rent Assistance is paid automatically with your FTB if you are eligible. You need to provide your rental details (landlord name, address, amount of rent) as part of your FTB claim. Use our Rent Calculator to estimate your Rent Assistance amount.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is Family Tax Benefit Part A per child?

The maximum FTB Part A rate for 2025-26 is approximately $222.04 per fortnight for each child aged 0-12, and $288.82 per fortnight for each child aged 13-19. The actual amount you receive depends on your family income — the payment reduces once family income exceeds approximately $62,634 per year. Use our Centrelink Calculator for a personalised estimate.

Can visa holders get Family Tax Benefit in Australia?

Permanent visa holders can access FTB after serving a 1-year NARWP (Newly Arrived Resident's Waiting Period). Some temporary visa holders on partner visas (820/309) may access FTB if their partner is an Australian citizen or permanent resident. Humanitarian visa holders are exempt from the waiting period and can claim FTB immediately.

What is the income test for Family Tax Benefit Part A?

FTB Part A has two income tests. The maximum rate is paid if family income is below approximately $62,634 per year. Above this, the payment reduces by 20 cents for every dollar over the threshold. A second income test applies at higher incomes, reducing the base rate by 30 cents per dollar over approximately $112,578 (for one child).

What is the difference between FTB Part A and Part B?

FTB Part A is paid per child and is based on family income. It helps all eligible families with the cost of raising children. FTB Part B provides extra help specifically to single-parent families and families where one parent earns significantly less than the other. Part B is based on the lower earner's income, not total family income, and is a per-family payment rather than per-child.

Do I need to claim FTB or is it automatic?

FTB is not automatic — you must lodge a claim with Services Australia through your myGov account or at a Service Australia office. You can choose to receive FTB fortnightly or as an annual lump sum at the end of the financial year. Most families choose fortnightly payments for cash flow, but be aware that estimated income changes may lead to reconciliation debts.