Payments and support for single parents (Australia)

The main payment for single parents in Australia is Parenting Payment from Services Australia, alongside Family Tax Benefit. Both depend on income, and child support you receive affects Family Tax Benefit, so report it.

Apply through myGov as soon as you separate; payments are not backdated to the day you split. Ask about crisis payments and rent assistance at the same time.

• Parenting Payment Single is for the principal carer; eligibility depends on the child’s age and your income.
• Family Tax Benefit is separate and is reduced by child support received, which is why the assessment and the payment are linked.
• Services Australia applications and reporting run through myGov; keep your care arrangements up to date there.

Sources checked September 2026. Government pages change; the links go to the official page for the latest.

• Apply early; most payments are not backdated to the day you separated.
• Child support received usually affects how much you get, so report it.
• You will need proof of identity, income and that the child lives with you.
• Ask about one-off help with rent, bond or urgent costs as well as the weekly payment.

Whatever route you take, a calm shared record helps. ParenThing keeps messages, the calendar, costs and handovers in one private place both parents can see, and your data is held in the EU. See how it works for Australian families.