It can be difficult to come up with money for parents who are single, and Parenting Payments could be a helpful hand. But what exactly is it? How can it be obtained, and how do they work?
If you’re an unmarried parent, then you might be eligible for financial assistance from the federal government. The primary income support payment is called the Parenting Payment.
One million families with a single parent in Australia, as per the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). Being a parent isn’t cheap, and there are additional pressures on single parents. If you’re single, it’s crucial to know what financial aid is offered to single parents. We will discuss:
- What is the Parenting Payment?
- What is the cost of the Parenting payment?
- Who can get the Parenting Payment?
- What is the other aspect of this Parenting Payout?
- Support from the government for families with one parent
What Is The Parenting Payment?
Parenting payments are income support payments provided by the Australian government. It is intended for those who have a low income and children who are young. It is also a great option intended for those who are searching for a job and care for their children.
The Parenting Pay may be available for you if you are either single or in a couple. If you’re a one-parent, you could be eligible for a higher amount of payment than if you are married. However, this depends on your specific situation.
What Is The Cost Of This Parenting Fee?
The amount you’re entitled to receive as the Parenting Payment is contingent on your personal circumstances, including the amount of your income and assets.
At the beginning of 2023, singles will be able to be eligible for $915.40 every fortnight. This includes the Pension Supplement (if you are eligible) in the amount of $26.20.
Couples receive a lower amount. It is currently a maximum in the amount of $608.70 each fortnight. Couples that are separated because of health issues, respite care, or prison receive up to $718.60 per fortnight.
The government changes the rates between the months of September and March each year, and you should visit the Services Australia website for the latest rates.
Who Can Get The Parenting Payment?
To be eligible to receive Parenting Payment, you must: Parenting Pay, Services Australia says you must:
- You are the primary caregiver of the child. This means that you have the greatest responsibility for their day-to-day care, well-being and growth. One person is the primary caregiver at any one time, therefore should you have a shared responsibility for your child, it’s the person who is responsible for the majority of care for the day. If two individuals share the same care, they must designate a primary carer.
- Take care of children under the age of eight or older if you’re single or have one or more partners, the child must not be older than six years.
- Have to be an Australian resident and live in Australia. There is an initial waiting period for certain concession and payment cards that can run as long as 4 years for Parents’ Payment.
You must also satisfy certain income and assets rules. You are not able to take advantage of the benefits before the baby is born.
Income test
To be eligible to receive the full Parenting Payment, Your income must fall within certain thresholds. The thresholds are based on the number of youngsters you’re raising. Single parents are currently:
- One child $202.60 gross earnings per fortnight
- Two children $227.20 gross earnings per fortnight
- Three children $251.80 gross earnings per fortnight
- Three or more children More than three children $251.80 and $24.60 to each child
If you’re a single person and earn above that threshold amount, then you might be eligible for a partial payout. Services Australia says the payment will be cut by 40 cents per dollar you earn above the threshold.
If you earn more than $2,537.60 per fortnight in total earnings (before deductions, like tax, are removed), You will not be able to claim this Parenting Pay. The cut-off amount is increased to $24.60 per child if your family has more than one child, Services Australia says.
Different rules apply if you have a spouse. You can find the most current rules by going to Services Australia. Services Australia website.
Tests of assets
You aren’t qualified to receive the Parenting payment when your assets exceed an amount. The term “assets” refers to the property or possessions that you have in total. For individuals, the limit amount is $280,000 in the event that they are a homeowner and $504,500 if you’re not a homeowner. The limits are greater if you are receiving rent Assistance, Services Australia says.
What Other Aspects Are Involved In This Parenting Payment?
When you receive this Parenting Paycheck, it is important to know a few things you’ll need to take care of in order to continue receiving it. For instance, you might have to meet the ‘ mutual obligation requirements at the time your youngest child is six years old or in the case of a compulsory Parents Next participant. That means that you’ll have to complete the activities and tasks within your Job Plan, which could include attending appointments with an employment service provider or Centrelink or conducting job searches and applying for positions. Learn more about your obligations through the Services Australia website.
Support For Single-parent Families From The Government.
If you are a recipient of the Parenting payment as a single individual, then you’ll receive a pensioner concession card. It gives you access to lower-cost health care and medications.
If you are a single parent, you may be able to receive additional government assistance like:
Family tax benefit
The family tax benefit was intended to help families with the expense of raising kids. It’s a two-part benefit. Part A is targeted toward all families, and Part B is designed for single parents or couples earning a single income.
The qualifications for eligibility differ in the case of Family Tax Benefits B and A. In order to be eligible for Family Tax Benefit A, you must be one or more dependent children or a full-time secondary school student who is between 16 and 19 years old. However, for the Family Tax Benefit B, you must be part of a couple that has one income that is caring for children under 13 or an individual parent or caregiver with a child less than 18 (who is able to meet the requirements of a student for children aged 16-18). More eligibility criteria, including income limits, are also applicable.
Rent assistance
If you live in a rental and receive certain payments through Centrelink (including parenting payments), You may be qualified to receive Rent Assistance. Services Australia says it will determine your eligibility once you make a claim for an amount from it. It doesn’t require you to file an additional application to claim Rent Assistance. You’ll need to provide Centrelink the proof of your rent arrangement and could be asked to fill out the Rent Certificate.
Child care subsidy
The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is designed to assist the most eligible Australians with the expense of childcare. It could be offered if you have children under the age of 13 years old and are using an accredited child-care provider.
