Payment rates
The amount of Family Tax Benefit Part A you get paid depends on your actual family income, the number and ages of your children.
These payment rates are effective from 1 January 2012.
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Maximum payment amounts
| For each child | Per fortnight |
|---|---|
| Child, 0 - 12, each | $164.64 |
| Child, 13 - 15, each | $214.06 |
| Child, 16 - 19, secondary student, each | $214.06 |
| Child, 16 - 17, completed secondary study, each | $52.64 |
| Child, 18 - 20 completed secondary student, each | $70.56 |
| Child 21 in full time study | $70.56 |
| In an approved care organisation | |
| Up to 24 years | $1,372.40 |
Note: Approved care organisations provide residential care for young people - e.g. young people who are homeless, refugees or have a disability.
Note: As the Family Tax Benefit Part A Supplement is paid after the end of the financial year, the amount is not included in the fortnightly figures. Annual figures include the $726.35 per child supplement for 2011/12. Approved care organisations are not entitled to the Family Tax Benefit Part A Supplement.
Base rate of Family Tax Benefit Part A
| For each child | Per fortnight |
|---|---|
| Under 18 year olds in FTSS or exempt or completed Year 12 or equivalent | $52.64 |
| 16-19 year olds FTSS | $52.64 |
| 19 year old continuing in FTSS in the calendar year after their 19th birthday. Payment from 1 January in the year they turn 20. | $70.56 |
| 18-20 year old children who have completed Year 12 or equivalent | $70.56 |
| Child/ren 18 years + as at 1 January 2012 who attract a Grandfathered status | $70.56 |
| 21 year olds in FTS | $70.56 |
| 22-24 year olds (Grandfathered) | $70.56 |
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.
Note: As the Family Tax Benefit Part A Supplement is paid after the end of the financial year, annual figures include the $726.35 per child supplement for 2011/12. The amount is not included in the fortnightly figures.
Supplements
Family Tax Benefit Part A Supplement
You can also get an extra Family Tax Benefit Part A Supplement of up to $726.35 for each child, after the end of the financial year when your payments are balanced. This will happen after you and your partner have lodged your tax returns (If you and/or your partner are not required to lodge a tax return you must tell the Family Assistance Office). The amount of supplement payable may vary depending on family income or circumstances.
Large Family Supplement
You may get $11.34 a fortnight for the 3rd and each subsequent child.
Multiple Birth Allowance
You may get $136.64 a fortnight for triplets or $182.00 a fortnight for quadruplets or more.
Income test
An income test is used to work out how much Family Tax Benefit Part A you can get.
Child support
To receive more than the base rate of Family Tax Benefit Part A for a child from a previous relationship, you or your partner must take reasonable action to obtain child support. To apply for child support from the other parent of the child, you or your partner should contact the Child Support Agency. If there is any reason that makes it difficult for you or your partner to apply for child support from the other parent, or you or your partner are unsure of what to do, you should contact the Family Assistance Office to discuss the situation.
Shared care
If you share the care of your child, there are special rules about how much Family Tax Benefit you can be paid. It is important to tell Centrelink if shared care arrangements change.
Payment adjustments and reviews
When you and/or your partner lodge your tax returns or advise that you are not required to lodge, your annual entitlement based on your actual income will be compared to your entitlement you received based on your estimate.
- If you overestimate your actual annual family income during the year, you may receive a top-up after the end of the year.
- If your underestimate your annual family income during the year and you have been paid too much, you will have to repay any Family Tax Benefit you should not have received.
More information
- A guide to Australian Government payments booklet
- Factors affecting payment rates and eligibility
- Family assistance and child support
- Family Assistance Office guide to payments factsheet
- Family Tax Benefit supplements
- Family Tax Benefit Part A section
On the Child Support Agency website
On the Family Assistance Office website
- Family Assistance payment rates section