Parenting Payment: single and partnered estimates

Parenting Payment depends on more than income. Child age, principal-carer status, residence, assets and other conditions also matter.

Child age and current rates

A single principal carer generally needs a youngest child under 14; a partnered principal carer needs a youngest child under 6. From 20 September 2026, the maximum single rate is $1,068.20 per fortnight, including the $30.70 basic Pension Supplement. The partnered base rate is $755.10. Other supplements are excluded from our estimate.

Income calculation

For a single parent with one child, the free area is $232.60 per fortnight. Each additional child adds $24.60. Income above that area reduces the payment by 40 cents per dollar. Our calculator assumes one child because it does not ask for the number of children.

For example, a single parent with one child and $500 fortnightly earnings has a reduction of ($500 − $232.60) × 40% = $106.96. The estimated payment is $961.24 per fortnight, excluding other supplements.

For the partnered model, own income is free up to $150, then tapered at 50 cents to $256 and 60 cents above that. Partner income above $1,440 is tapered at 60 cents, assuming a non-pensioner partner aged 22 to Age Pension age. Other partner categories differ.

What to check separately

A positive result does not establish eligibility. Confirm residence, assets, waiting periods, mutual obligations and exemptions. Additional children and supplements may change the amount.

See payment rates and income and asset tests. Try the Parenting Payment estimate.