Supporting Families with Teenagers

From 1 January 2012 Family Tax Benefit and Youth Allowance have changed under the Supporting Families with Teenagers measure.

Details of these changes are provided below.

Changes to Family Tax Benefit

Family Tax Benefit Part A has increased for dependent 16 to 19 year olds who are undertaking full-time secondary study. The maximum rate is $214.06.

These changes recognise the extra costs of raising teenagers. It ensures that eligible families do not experience a drop in assistance and encourage young people to stay in school by providing more support for their family while they are studying.

Family Tax Benefit Part A may also include an annual supplement of up to $726.35 for each child, which is paid after the end of the financial year once tax returns have been lodged.

The amount of Family Tax Benefit Part A was automatically adjusted from 1 January 2012.

Family Tax Benefit ceases when a young person turns 22.

While the child is in full-time secondary study, their income will not affect the rate of Family Tax Benefit Part A received, up until the end of the calendar year they turn 19. If the child is unable to study, call us on 13 6150.

Note: Family Tax Benefit Part A may be payable for children aged 22–24 who were in full-time study on 31 December 2011. If you are eligible, you may be able to receive Family Tax Benefit for them until they complete their current course of study, earn over the income limit or they turn 25.

For Family Tax Benefit rates click here.

For more information, see Family Tax Benefit Parents with Teenagers - Frequently Asked Questions

How do I claim Family Tax Benefit?

When completing an online claim for Family Tax Benefit, on the Make a Claim, Life Events page select 'I am a parent or guardian (or am planning to become one within the next three months).

Family Tax Benefit Part B/ Multiple Birth Allowance

Payment of Family Tax Benefit Part B and/or Multiple Birth Allowance is only payable for children over 16 when they are in full-time secondary study up to the end of the calendar year in which they turn 18. These payments are not available for children in tertiary study.

Changes to Youth Allowance

From 1 January 2012 young persons aged 16-17 years old, dependent, living at home and still in full-time secondary study will generally not be able to receive Youth Allowance.

Those receiving Youth Allowance on 31 December 2011 may continue to do so. However, the increased rate of Family Tax Benefit Part A may be a better option for the family.

To receive Family Tax Benefit Part A, the young person needs to stop their Youth Allowance and a claim for Family Tax Benefit must be lodged by their parent/s or guardian/s with the Department of Human Services.

If Youth Allowance is stopped after 31 December 2011 and the family has claimed Family Tax Benefit, it is possible to go back to Youth Allowance.
The Youth Allowance age of independence is 22 years.

For more information, see Youth Allowance Teenagers - Frequently Asked Questions or ABSTUDY Teenagers - Frequently Asked Questions.

Child Support

If you have a child from a previous relationship for whom you receive child support and the child is continuing in secondary education beyond their 18th birthday, you can apply to extend your child support assessment.

Make sure you apply prior to your child’s 18th birthday so you receive the correct amount of Family Tax Benefit.

If you have a CSAonline account, you can apply to extend your child support assessment using this secure online service. Go to the forms section and select Child over 18 in full-time secondary education.

To register for a CSAonline account and start managing your child support online go to csaonline.gov.au.

We can also take your application over the phone. To apply, or for more information call us on 131 272*Alternatively, you can mail or fax us a hard copy of your application.

Rent Assistance

Children aged 16 to 19 years in full-time secondary study, will now count as a Rent Assistance child. To receive Rent Assistance, proof of rent needs to be provided to the Department of Human Services.

Health Care Card

A 16-18 year old in full-time secondary study cannot receive a Health Care Card in their own name. However they may be included on the family’s Health Care Card if the family is eligible for one.

Which option is best for me?

To work out which payment is the best option, go to the Family Assistance-Youth Allowance Comparison Estimator,  call 13 6150, or visit your nearest Centrelink Customer Service Centre.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Youth Allowance Teenagers - FAQs
• ABSTUDY Teenagers - FAQs
• Family Tax Benefit Parents with Teenagers - FAQs

[ return to top ]