Raising children comes with financial challenges, and for many Australian parents, the Centrelink Parenting Payment provides essential support.
If you are eligible, you could receive up to $915 per fortnight as a single parent or $718.10 per fortnight if partnered. This payment helps cover living expenses, ensuring financial stability for families.
This article explains the eligibility criteria, how to apply through myGov, when to expect payments, and additional benefits available.
Whether you’re a new applicant or an existing recipient, here’s everything you need to know about the Centrelink Parenting Payment for February 2025.
Parenting Payment Overview
The Parenting Payment is a fortnightly financial support payment provided by Services Australia to parents or guardians who are the primary caregivers of young children. The payment aims to assist low-income families with basic living expenses.
Payment Rates
| Parent Type | Maximum Payment (per fortnight) |
|---|---|
| Single Parent | $915 |
| Partnered Parent | $718.10 |
These amounts may vary based on income, assets, and other government assistance received.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Parenting Payment, you must meet the following requirements:
- Primary Caregiver: You must be the main person responsible for your child’s care.
- Age of Youngest Child:
- Single Parents: Child must be under 8 years old.
- Partnered Parents: Child must be under 6 years old.
- Residency:
- Must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
- Must have lived in Australia for at least 12 months.
- Income and Assets Test:
- Your income and assets must be below the limits set by Services Australia.
- Check the latest income thresholds on the official Services Australia website.
If your income or assets exceed the limit, your payment may be reduced or stopped.
How to Claim the $915 Parenting Payment for February 2025
Applying for the Parenting Payment is a simple online process through myGov.
Steps to Apply
- Create a myGov Account
- Visit my.gov.au and create an account if you don’t have one.
- Link Your Centrelink Account
- Use your Customer Reference Number (CRN) to link Centrelink to your myGov account.
- Submit a Claim
- Go to the Centrelink section in myGov.
- Select “Make a Claim” and choose “Parenting Payment”.
- Provide Required Documents
- Proof of identity (passport, driver’s license).
- Proof of income and assets (bank statements, payslips).
- Child’s birth certificate or proof of birth.
- Submit and Wait for Processing
- Review your claim and submit it.
- Centrelink usually processes claims within 14 days.
- You will receive a notification via myGov once your claim is approved.
For a detailed guide, visit Services Australia’s official website.
When Will You Receive Your Payment?
The Parenting Payment is paid fortnightly. If your claim is approved, your first payment is usually received within two weeks.
Payment Schedule for February 2025
| Fortnight Start | Expected Payment Date |
|---|---|
| February 1, 2025 | February 14, 2025 |
| February 15, 2025 | February 28, 2025 |
Payments may be processed earlier if they fall on a public holiday or weekend. Always check your myGov account for updated payment dates.
Additional Support for Parents
Apart from the Parenting Payment, you may qualify for extra benefits:
1. Rent Assistance
- Helps parents paying private rent or living in community housing.
- Payment amount depends on rental costs.
2. Energy Supplement
- A small extra payment to assist with energy bills.
- Paid with your Parenting Payment automatically.
3. Family Tax Benefit (FTB)
- Additional financial support for raising children.
- Divided into FTB Part A (based on income) and FTB Part B (for single parents and low-income families).
For a full list of extra payments and eligibility, visit Services Australia’s website.
- Single parents can receive up to $915 per fortnight.
- Partnered parents can receive up to $718.10 per fortnight.
- Payments are made fortnightly.
- Apply online via myGov for fast processing.
- Check myGov for your payment schedule and status.
- Additional benefits like Rent Assistance, Energy Supplement, and Family Tax Benefit may be available.
