About the Parenting Payment calculator
Parenting Payment is an income support payment for the main carer of a young child. Single parents can get it until their youngest child turns 14, and partnered parents until their youngest turns 6. After that, JobSeeker Payment is the usual payment.
Single parents have a more generous income test than most allowances. Partnered parents use the same test as JobSeeker, and their partner’s income counts too.
| Single, a fortnight | $1,068.20 |
|---|---|
| Partnered, each, a fortnight | $755.10 |
| Single: income free area, one child | $232.60 |
| Single: reduction over the free area | 40 cents per $1 |
Common questions
Who can get Parenting Payment?
The main carer of a child. If you’re single, your youngest child must be under 14. If you’re partnered, your youngest must be under 6.
How much is Parenting Payment?
Up to $1,068.20 a fortnight for a single parent, or $755.10 each for a partnered parent, before the income and assets tests.
How does work affect Parenting Payment?
Single parents can earn $232.60 a fortnight with one child before the payment reduces, then it reduces by 40 cents for each extra $1.
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Rates last checked 5 November 2026. Payment rates from 20 September 2026; limits from 1 July 2026.